The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed deep concern over the reluctance of some state governments to implement the newly approved minimum wage for Nigerian workers. This issue has sparked frustration among the Congress as it has continued to observe the lack of commitment from certain state governors towards ensuring the well-being of their workers despite the passage of the National Minimum Wage Act of 2024. The NLC has now issued a stern ultimatum to the federal and state governments, demanding that the implementation of the new minimum wage commence without delay by November 30, 2024. The Congress has made it clear that if the minimum wage is not implemented across all states by the given deadline, workers across the nation will embark on an indefinite strike starting on December 1, 2024. This strike will continue until all states in the Federation comply with the law and implement the agreed-upon wage.
The NLC’s decision to take this drastic step was communicated after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held over the weekend. During the meeting, the Labour Congress members voiced their frustration and discontent regarding the persistent delays and outright refusal of some governors to comply with the new wage law. The NLC condemned this situation, calling it a betrayal of Nigerian workers and a flagrant disregard for both legal obligations and the lives of millions of workers who continue to endure financial hardship due to non-payment of the agreed wages.
The Labour Congress emphasized that the denial of rightful wages, particularly at a time of rising economic challenges, has placed an immense burden on the working class. In a statement released after the NEC meeting, the Congress expressed its dissatisfaction with the lack of urgency from the state governments, labeling it as a betrayal of the trust placed in the governors. The communique read in part, “The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship.”
The NLC also criticized the government for what it described as the exploitation of the people they are supposed to protect, stating that the leaders are failing to uphold their responsibilities to the workers who contribute to the country’s economy. The Congress vowed to pursue justice for the workers, emphasizing that the struggle for fair wages will continue until the government complies with the law.
The communique further declared that, “It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them.” It concluded with a strong warning to the state governments that if the National Minimum Wage is not fully implemented by the last day of November 2024, all state Councils where the wage has not been put into effect will proceed with a strike starting December 1, 2024. The NLC has made it clear that Nigerian workers demand justice, and that justice will be pursued with full force until it is achieved.
This announcement has stirred significant anticipation, as the proposed strike could potentially paralyze several states across Nigeria, affecting the daily lives of millions of workers and citizens. The Labour Congress remains steadfast in its stance and is calling on all Nigerians to support the effort for a fair and just wage for every worker across the country. The strike, if executed, will be a key moment in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle for workers' rights and economic justice.