Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reiterated its December 1 ultimatum for state governments to implement the new minimum wage, warning that failure to comply will result in industrial action.
The NLC’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Benson Upah, confirmed to Saturday PUNCH in Abuja. “Yes, the ultimatum still stands. Nothing has changed,” he said.
Several states are working to finalise wage adjustments ahead of the deadline.
In Sokoto, Deputy Governor Idris Gobir recently urged the local NLC chapter to present its wage proposal to facilitate harmonisation.
“Submit your proposal for the new minimum wage, and I will ensure the process is expedited,” Gobir assured during a meeting.
The state NLC has since complied, with its chairman, Abdullahi Jungul, praising the government’s willingness to address workers’ demands.
In Zamfara, the state government has linked the delay in implementing the new wage to ongoing efforts to identify ghost workers.
Officials have promised that payments will commence after the verification process. It is worth noting that the previous N30,000 minimum wage was not implemented under the administration of former Governor Bello Matawalle.
Some states have already acted. Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas approved a N70,000 minimum wage starting in November 2024, according to a statement by the Head of Service, Paul Maigida.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also authorised the immediate adoption of the same amount following a November 13 agreement with labour representatives.
However, negotiations are still in progress in Cross River and Osun states, while Imo has yet to make any formal announcements about wage adjustments.
National Vice President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Tommy Etim, also told Punch that the TUC is closely monitoring developments across states to ensure that workers’ rights are upheld and the new wage policy is implemented nationwide.