The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has launched a nationwide strike to address unmet promises by state governments on the N70,000 national minimum wage. Despite progress in some states, the NLC remains firm on its stance against non-compliance.
Amba Titus Audu, Chairman of the NLC 2024 National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, declared that any state failing to implement the minimum wage or reach a conclusive agreement must face industrial action. He challenged states to produce evidence of payment, emphasizing that verbal assurances and agreements without implementation would not suffice.
Akeem Ambali, NLC National Treasurer, criticized states for their empty promises and delayed timelines, such as beginning payment in January 2025. He warned that such actions would trigger the full force of the strike, backed by mobilized affiliate unions nationwide. Ambali stressed that labour law demands negotiations and timely payments, not vague commitments.
NLC’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Benson Upah, reinforced that only full implementation of the wage would deter the strike. He stated that partial compliance or persuasion would not meet the union’s standards. A resolution from the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Port Harcourt on November 8, 2024, solidified this directive.
The NLC’s General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, instructed state councils to enforce the decision. He highlighted defaulting states such as Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Kaduna, urging immediate industrial action in these regions to compel compliance.
Cross River, despite announcing a N70,000 minimum wage, remains non-compliant. Enugu State declared N80,000 but failed to address consequential adjustments. Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru unilaterally announced selective wage increments, leading the state’s workers to embark on a warning strike. NLC Chairman Prof. Egwu Ogugua criticized the move, stating it lacked proper agreements and consequential adjustments.
In Nasarawa, workers mobilized for industrial action due to the government’s inaction despite verbal agreements. NLC Chairman Comrade Ismaila Okoh expressed dissatisfaction over delays in signing a formal agreement. Similarly, Cross River’s unions announced an indefinite strike unless immediate implementation occurs, despite ongoing negotiations with the state government.
While some states have made progress, divisions persist. Abia workers rejected plans for industrial action, asserting that the state had implemented the N70,000 minimum wage since October 2024. NLC Chairman Ogbonnaya Okoro acknowledged discrepancies in adjustments for senior workers, but Governor Alex Otti directed a review to resolve concerns.
In Ondo State, NLC Acting Chairman Ademola Olapade assured workers that the November salary would reflect the new wage. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced a N73,000 minimum wage, with implementation beginning this month. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani refuted claims of non-compliance, asserting that the lowest-paid workers received N72,000. However, the government urged patience on consequential adjustments due to fiscal constraints.
The Nigeria Labour Congress’s nationwide strike underscores the union’s resolve to ensure full compliance with the national minimum wage law. As states face pressure, transparency and proper implementation remains paramount in achieving fair compensation for Nigerian workers.
