Despite assurances from some state governments of progress on the N70,000 national minimum wage, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has drawn a firm line and commenced nationwide industrial action today against non-compliance.
The NLC 2024 National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee Chairman, Amba Titus Audu, told The Guardian: “The directive remains unchanged. Any state that has not implemented the new wage or reached a concrete agreement by today should commence industrial action. We are not aware of any contrary developments.”
Audu challenged states claiming compliance to provide evidence of payment. “Pronouncements or agreements without implementation are insufficient. If states have paid the new wage, they must show proof,” he said.
Also, NLC National Treasurer Akeem Ambali criticized states making verbal commitments without formal agreements or financial backing.
Similarly, NLC’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Benson Upah, affirmed that only full implementation would prevent the strike. “Partial compliance or persuasion will not deter us. The minimum wage must be implemented in full,” he stated.
The NLC 2024 National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee Chairman, Amba Titus Audu, told The Guardian: “The directive remains unchanged. Any state that has not implemented the new wage or reached a concrete agreement by today should commence industrial action. We are not aware of any contrary developments.”
Audu challenged states claiming compliance to provide evidence of payment. “Pronouncements or agreements without implementation are insufficient. If states have paid the new wage, they must show proof,” he said.
Also, NLC National Treasurer Akeem Ambali criticized states making verbal commitments without formal agreements or financial backing.
“Empty promises or plans to begin payment in January 2025 are unacceptable. These states will face the full force of the strike,” he said. Ambali disclosed that affiliate unions have been mobilised nationwide to enforce the strike, ensuring no state escapes accountability. “Labour law does not recognize promises without negotiation or payment,” he added.
Similarly, NLC’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Benson Upah, affirmed that only full implementation would prevent the strike. “Partial compliance or persuasion will not deter us. The minimum wage must be implemented in full,” he stated.
The directive for the strike followed a resolution from the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting, which was held in Port Harcourt on November 8, 2024.
In a letter signed by NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, the Congress mandated its state councils to enforce the decision and ensure compliance with the new wage structure.
The letter revealed that some states have not adopted the minimum wage, with workers still receiving the previous wage rates. Highlighted among these defaulting states are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Federal Capital Territory, Imo, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Oyo, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.
The letter further instructed state councils to begin industrial action immediately to compel compliance, warning that failure to adhere would attract severe consequences from Congress.