The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has issued a firm ultimatum, requiring state governments to fully implement the new minimum wage by December 1, 2024.
The directive was announced by NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, in a communique after the National Executive Council meeting held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Ajaero expressed deep frustration with the delay and non-compliance by some state governments, emphasizing that workers are struggling to make ends meet in the face of economic hardships. He criticized the inaction as a violation of both legal and moral obligations, stating that millions of Nigerian workers are denied their rightful wages amid escalating costs of living.
“This delay by certain governors disregards both the law and the well-being of Nigerian workers,” Ajaero said. “These leaders are failing in their duty to protect the people who rely on them.”
To address this, the NLC has established a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, tasked with assessing compliance, mobilizing awareness campaigns, and advocating for wage rights nationwide. States that fail to meet the wage mandate by November 30 will face industrial action, with NLC state councils set to initiate strikes starting December 1.
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Highlighting the financial struggles of Nigerian workers, Ajaero noted that rising inflation and escalating costs of essentials have left many workers unable to afford basic needs. He added that poor access to energy and unaffordable healthcare are pushing workers further into poverty, leading to the resurgence of malnutrition-related diseases.
The NLC president called on the Federal Government to urgently review wages and introduce policies to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. He emphasized the need for immediate social protection measures to ensure a decent standard of living.
Ajaero also voiced concerns over the price of fuel, calling for an end to monopolistic control in the energy sector and urging the reopening of public refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna to stabilize the market. He noted that the recent provision of Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, buses was a positive step but insufficient, citing inadequate CNG infrastructure across the country as a potential obstacle to long-term success.
Further, he demanded the release of detained protesters and called for safeguards to prevent future arrests during peaceful demonstrations.
The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers, promising to hold the government accountable to its promises and ensure the minimum wage is enforced nationwide.
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