Minimum Wage Crisis: NLC’s Strike Notice Triggers Alarm In Ekiti, Sokoto, And Beyond

Tensions are mounting in states that have not yet implemented the ₦70,000 minimum wage, as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a strike set for December 1 in states failing to comply. By the end of October, 24 states had not yet adopted the new wage, despite the Federal Government’s promises…CONTINUE READING…

of support for its implementation.

In mid-October, the government, through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), pledged to convene a meeting with state governors to press for the enforcement of the new wage law, which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in August.

As of late October, only 12 states had fully implemented the new wage, including Edo, Anambra, Adamawa, Ogun, Delta, Ebonyi, Abia, Kebbi, Kogi, Borno, Gombe, and Jigawa. Several others, like Lagos, Ondo, and Kano, have committed to starting payments by November, while states such as Osun, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Imo have not announced any timelines.

In Ondo, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has confirmed that the ₦73,000 minimum wage will begin in November, and in Ogun, Governor Dapo Abiodun has approved ₦77,000, though workers have reported receiving only partial payments. Other states, like Lagos, have approved ₦85,000, with payments starting in November.

Meanwhile, the NLC has issued a strong warning to the states that are still withholding the new wage, demanding full compliance by the end of November. Failure to do so will lead to an indefinite strike starting December 1. The NLC is ready to take action against any state that does not meet the full implementation of the wage, including extending payments to local government employees.

NLC President Joe Ajaero has expressed frustration over the delays, calling them a “blatant disregard” for workers’ rights. He further announced the formation of a Minimum Wage Implementation Committee to ensure full enforcement of the law. The NLC has vowed to initiate industrial actions in all non-compliant states and will not relent until the minimum wage is implemented nationwide.

As the December 1 deadline draws near, Nigerian workers are bracing for action, demanding justice and fair pay.