Minimum wage: NLC threatens strike action if wage isn’t implemented by December 1

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a December 1 deadline for state governments to implement the new national minimum wage, citing the worsening economic conditions faced by Nigerian workers. This announcement was made in a communiqué signed by NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, following the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

In the communiqué, Ajaero expressed strong dissatisfaction with the delays from some states in enforcing the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act, describing these delays as both illegal and unjust. He emphasized that this non-compliance has worsened the financial struggles of workers, who are already grappling with rising inflation and increased living costs.

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Ajaero criticized the refusal of certain state governments to implement the new minimum wage, calling it a betrayal that disregards both legal and moral obligations. He stated that Nigerian workers are being denied their rightful wages amidst growing economic challenges.

To address this, the NLC has pledged to take strong action against any state government that fails to comply by the deadline. Ajaero announced that the NLC would initiate industrial actions in states that do not fully implement the minimum wage by November 30, 2024, with a strike set to begin on December 1.

Additionally, the NLC has formed a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee to monitor compliance across the country. The committee will also launch a public campaign to raise awareness about the issue and encourage citizens to resist what the NLC views as an infringement on workers’ dignity and rights.