The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern ultimatum to all state governments across Nigeria, demanding the full implementation of the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage by December 1, 2024. Failure to comply will trigger a nationwide protest, with strikes planned in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The NLC’s warning follows a series of unresolved grievances over the delayed implementation of the wage increase, which was announced by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024. The union has expressed frustration over the slow pace of adoption by state governments, with many failing to implement the wage hike or, in some cases, opting to delay or adjust the amount, despite the President’s directive.
In a statement issued after the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the NLC outlined the dire economic struggles faced by Nigerians. The union emphasized that millions of workers are enduring severe hardship due to inflation, rising costs of living, and the high price of essential goods, including fuel. The statement called for urgent reforms to address these challenges and for state governments to immediately implement the N70,000 minimum wage as promised.
“The economic hardship facing the average Nigerian worker is unbearable,” said the NLC communiqué. “Workers are being exploited and pushed to the brink. We demand that state governments act now, or face the full wrath of Nigerian workers. The struggle for justice and dignity cannot wait any longer.”
The union also raised concerns about the rising cost of petrol, which continues to soar despite international market prices being lower. The NLC accused fuel marketers and industry stakeholders of profiteering, warning that Nigerians are being taken advantage of by what it called a “gang-up” between powerful interests in the sector. They pointed to ongoing price hikes that have left pump prices significantly higher than the real market value.
“The current fuel pricing is a deliberate ploy to exploit the masses,” the NLC stated. “There seems to be a collusion among key players in the industry, particularly as costs are padded and margins inflated. Nigerians are being ripped off, and this must end immediately.”
In light of these issues, the NLC has called for the swift reopening of Nigeria’s domestic refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna. The union believes that the refineries, if brought back into operation, could help stabilize fuel prices and ease the burden on Nigerian workers.
The NLC’s warning to state governments is clear: unless the N70,000 minimum wage is implemented by the end of November 2024, workers will take to the streets in protest. The union has pledged to initiate a series of industrial actions in any state that fails to comply with the new wage structure, starting December 1, 2024.
“Justice must prevail for Nigerian workers,” the statement concluded. “We will not relent in our pursuit of fair wages and better living conditions for our people. This is a fight for dignity and equity.”
