The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reinforced its ultimatum to state governors, demanding full implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage by December 1, 2024.
With no room for extensions, the NLC has warned state governments to act swiftly or face possible repercussions.
Speaking to Saturday PUNCH in Abuja, the NLC’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Benson Upah, reiterated the union’s unwavering stance on the matter.
“Yes, the ultimatum still stands. Nothing has changed,” Upah stated emphatically.
This deadline, announced earlier in the month, has prompted an urgent response from several state governments. Across the country, negotiations with labor unions are underway as state officials rush to meet the requirements.
In Sokoto State, the government has shown proactive engagement with labor representatives.
During a meeting with the state chapter of the NLC, Deputy Governor Alhaji Idris Gobir pledged the administration’s commitment to 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 assured the union.
His remarks drew commendation from the Sokoto NLC Chairman, Abdullahi Jungul, who expressed optimism about the government’s readiness to collaborate.
Jungul also called on workers to remain patient, promising that the union would promptly submit its proposal to ensure progress.
Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, efforts are also underway to comply with the new minimum wage mandate.
The government has announced plans to implement the wage adjustment as soon as it completes an ongoing verification exercise designed to eliminate ghost workers from the payroll.
The verification process aims to address inefficiencies in the system, a challenge that plagued the previous administration of Governor Bello Matawalle, which failed to implement the ₦30,000 minimum wage set in 2019.
In Taraba State, significant progress has already been made.
The government has approved the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, with payments set to commence by November 2024.
Paul Maigida, the state’s Head of Service, disclosed this development, stating, “His Excellency, the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has approved the implementation of the new minimum wage for workers in Taraba State.”
Similarly, Plateau State has joined the list of proactive states.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has approved the immediate implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage following successful negotiations with the Committee on Consequential Salary Adjustments.
In Cross River State, however, the situation remains less conclusive.
Negotiations between the government and workers are ongoing, but no final agreement has been reached.
This uncertainty has left workers in the state anxious about their prospects.
Imo State has taken a more concerning approach, with the government maintaining silence on the matter.
Labor unions and workers in the state have expressed growing frustration over the lack of communication or visible efforts toward implementation.
In Osun State, a committee on minimum wage has been established, but progress remains slow.
The committee is yet to finalize any proposals for workers, leading to apprehension among labor unions in the state.
As the December deadline looms, national labor leaders are keeping a close watch on developments across the states.
The National Vice President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Tommy Etim, emphasized the need for urgent action by state governments.
“State governments must act swiftly to avoid industrial action. The rising inflation leaves no room for delays in implementing the new wage,” Etim warned.
He further highlighted the importance of adhering to the deadline, citing the economic hardships faced by Nigerian workers amid the country’s persistent inflation.
The pressure is mounting as state governments grapple with meeting the financial demands of the new minimum wage while navigating budgetary constraints.
For some, like Sokoto and Plateau, the path appears clear, with their commitments to compliance already laid out.
For others, like Cross River, Osun, and Imo, uncertainty and delays have created an atmosphere of tension and unease.
The NLC’s firm stance on the December 1 deadline underscores the urgency of the issue.
With inflation eroding the purchasing power of workers, the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage is seen as a critical step in alleviating their economic struggles.
For state governments that fail to comply, the threat of industrial action looms large.
Labor unions across the country have indicated their readiness to mobilize workers should the deadline pass without tangible progress.
As the countdown continues, the focus remains on whether state governments can rise to the challenge and deliver on this crucial mandate.
The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this nationwide push for better wages.
State leaders have a clear choice: act now to meet the demands of workers or face the potential fallout of non-compliance.
The clock is ticking.
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