NLC sets December 1 deadline for new minimum wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reaffirmed its deadline for state governors to implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage by December 1, 2024, emphasizing that no extensions will be granted.

Speaking to Saturday PUNCH in Abuja, the NLC’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Benson Upah, confirmed, “Yes, the ultimatum still stands. Nothing has changed.”

The deadline, issued earlier this month, has spurred several state governments to accelerate negotiations with labor unions to meet the requirements.

In Sokoto State, Deputy Governor Alhaji Idris Gobir assured the NLC’s state chapter of the government’s commitment to implementing the wage adjustment.

“Go and bring your proposal for the new minimum wage implementation, and I assure you that I will facilitate the process of quick harmonization,” Gobir said during a meeting with labour representatives.

The Sokoto NLC Chairman, Abdullahi Jungul, commended the government’s willingness to engage, urging workers to remain calm as the union promptly submitted its proposal.

Similarly, Zamfara State announced plans to commence payment of the new minimum wage once an ongoing verification of workers aimed at eliminating ghost workers is completed.

The state previously failed to implement the 2019 ₦30,000 minimum wage under former Governor Bello Matawalle.

In Taraba State, the government has approved the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage with effect from November 2024.

The state’s Head of Service, Paul Maigida, said, “His Excellency, the Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas, has approved the implementation of the new minimum wage for workers in Taraba State.”

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has approved the immediate implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage following an agreement with the Committee on Consequential Salary Adjustments.

In Cross River State, negotiations between the government and workers are ongoing, but no resolution has been reached.

In Imo State, the government has remained silent on the matter, while in Osun State, the committee on minimum wage is yet to finalize any proposals for workers.

The National Vice President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Tommy Etim, stated that the union is monitoring developments across states to ensure compliance.

“State governments must act swiftly to avoid industrial action. The rising inflation leaves no room for delays in implementing the new wage,” Etim said.