Nigeria’s organized labor movement has issued a stern ultimatum to governors nationwide, warning of impending industrial unrest if the new minimum wage of N70,000 isn’t implemented by the end of October. This comes nearly two months after President Bola Tinubu signed the law, aimed at improving the livelihoods of the country’s lowest-paid workers.
Despite the presidential assent, only two states, Edo and Adamawa, have commenced payment of the N70,000 minimum wage to their workers. Edo State took the lead, starting payments in June, two months before the law was signed, while Adamawa State implemented the new wage in August.
However, eight states have announced plans to pay varying amounts above the N70,000 benchmark. These states include:
Lagos, where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has pledged to pay N85,000, with an ambitious plan to increase it to N100,000 by January.
Ondo, which will pay N73,000, N3,000 above the federal benchmark.
Ogun, where workers will receive N77,000, with payments starting this month.
Rivers, which has announced an N85,000 minimum wage, with payments beginning in November.
Kogi, Gombe, and Bauchi have also announced their intention to pay higher than the federal minimum wage.
Labour leaders in Lagos and Ondo states have expressed concerns over the unilateral decisions made by their governors without prior negotiations. The labour movement has insisted on collective bargaining and proper consultation before implementing the new wage.
With the October deadline fast approaching, the labour movement’s patience is wearing thin. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have warned that failure to implement the new minimum wage will lead to nationwide protests and strikes.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, emphasized that the union would not tolerate any further delays or manipulation of the minimum wage law. “We will not hesitate to mobilize our members for industrial action if the governors fail to comply,” Ajaero stated.
As the clock ticks closer to the deadline, the 26 non-compliant states face a critical decision: implement the new minimum wage or risk facing the wrath of organized labour.
The outcome will significantly impact the livelihoods of millions of Nigerian workers and the overall economic stability of the country.
