Due to the continued non-implementation of the national Minimum Wage by some state governments and employers, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong warning to state governments and employers of labour, threatening consequences for those who fail to implement the ₦70,000 national minimum wage and corresponding salary adjustments by the end of March 2025. Mohammed Ibrahim, the President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and National Internal Auditor of the NLC, delivered the warning during the association’s National Leadership Retreat in Abuja.
He expressed frustration over the failure of some state governments and institutions to properly implement the new wage structure, accusing them of treating the increase as a mere symbolic gesture rather than a binding financial commitment. He criticised certain state governments for signing agreements yet to be enforced, calling them empty promises. Many of these agreements, he noted, were hastily put together following pressure from the NLC’s directives, but they have not translated into actual wage payments for workers. Ibrahim reaffirmed that the union remains vigilant and committed to holding non-compliant employers accountable.
Labour union vows to enforce compliance with minimum wage law.
Furthermore, the NLC has vowed to take action against any state or institution that refuses to implement the new payment rate. Ibrahim emphasised that the union has the legal backing to enforce compliance and will not hesitate to mobilise workers for industrial action if necessary. The labour union has been engaging various state governments to ensure the payment increase is fully implemented. However, reports indicate that some states are still stalling or making vague commitments. According to Ibrahim, the NLC’s intervention has forced some state governors to sign agreements, but many remain unfulfilled. He assured workers that strict measures would be implemented to guarantee full implementation nationwide.
Moreover, as of October 2024, several states have complied with the new wage policy, ensuring their workers receive the approved new payment rate. These states include Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Jigawa, Gombe, Ogun, Kebbi, Ondo, and Kogi. These states have either fully implemented the new wage or have made clear commitments to doing so in a structured manner. Likewise, reports indicate that some states have delayed full implementation, with many workers yet to receive adjusted salaries. The NLC remains firm in its position that such delays are unacceptable and must be addressed urgently to prevent industrial unrest.
States yet to commit to national payment rate implementation.
While some states have complied, others have not established clear implementation plans. As of November last year, Plateau, Sokoto, Zamfara, Imo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ekiti, Cross River, and Yobe had either failed to set up a minimum salary committee or were still in preliminary discussions without any concrete steps toward actual payment. This lack of progress has frustrated workers, who expected action following the federal government’s approval of the wage increase. Many employees in these states continue to face financial hardships, exacerbated by rising Inflation and economic challenges. The union has signalled that further delays could lead to protests and strikes as workers demand the correct payment.
Meanwhile, the approved new payment structure is intended to enhance workers’ living standards and stimulate economic growth. The federal government has maintained that the salary increase will boost purchasing power, reduce poverty, and improve overall economic stability. However, there are concerns about the broader economic implications, particularly for businesses and workers in the informal sector. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may struggle to meet the new salary threshold, potentially leading to job losses or increased operational costs. Additionally, workers earning slightly above the minimum salary may stagnate as employers adjust to the new baseline.
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As an ongoing advocacy, labour leaders have continued to urge state governments and employers to implement the new salary fairly and promptly. They argue that delaying or manipulating the payment structure only exacerbates economic inequality and undermines workers’ rights. Therefore, the union remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring compliance, warning that non-compliant employers will face consequences. As the first quarter of 2025 approaches, all eyes are on state governments and institutions to see whether they will fulfil their obligations or risk facing industrial action from the group.