Minimum Wage: Labour, States Hold Final Talks Ahead of Monday Strike

Labour unions and state representatives engage in last-minute discussions to address minimum wage demands and avert the planned nationwide strike on Monday. 

Several states that have not yet implemented the N70,000 minimum wage are rushing to meet the December 1 deadline set by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in order to prevent a nationwide strike.

At present, Katsina, Cross River, and Zamfara are the only states that have not yet fully implemented the new wage. This comes after Imo State’s recent approval of the policy, increasing the total number of compliant regions—including the Federal Capital Territory—to 33.

Although the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act sets ₦70,000 as the standard minimum wage, certain states have proposed even higher amounts. Leading this movement are Lagos and Rivers, both offering ₦85,000. Additionally, Lagos has suggested a possible increase to ₦100,000 by early 2025.

Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Oyo, and Niger states intend to pay ₦80,000. In comparison, Delta and Ogun are offering ₦77,000. Meanwhile, other states like Ebonyi, Osun, Benue,and Kebbi have set their payment at ₦75 000 with additional differences observed in some other regions..

Nevertheless, tensions continue to escalate as workers in Cross River, Katsina, and Zamfara have voiced their frustration over the delays in implementing the wage increase.

Cross River Employees Call for Action

In Cross River, labor unions conducted a two-day warning strike earlier this week to protest what they call the government’s “delaying tactics.” Negotiations between union leaders and the state’s wage implementation committee have come to a standstill, as workers accuse the government of not honoring its commitments.

Gregory Ulayi, the Chairman of Cross River NLC, cautioned that more severe actions could be taken.

“If the government fails to negotiate and take appropriate action, we will initiate a complete strike as mandated nationwide.”

Governor Bassey Otu had earlier declared a minimum wage of ₦40,000 due to financial limitations. His spokesperson, Nsa Gill, stated that the government is dedicated to finding a solution and added:

“We are exploring ways to create a more robust economic foundation that will enable us to provide our civil servants with a living wage.”

Katsina Encounters Comparable Challenges

In Katsina, labor leaders have confirmed that discussions are underway between union representatives and a government-appointed committee. This committee was inaugurated by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal, who tasked it with formulating a strategy to implement the wage within three weeks. However, progress has been reportedly slow, raising concerns about potential industrial action.

An anonymous NLC representative in Katsina stated:

Negotiations between the labor unions and government committee members are still in progress. Anything could happen before the December 1 deadline.

Zamfara Government Provides Reassurance to Employees

In Zamfara, officials have assured that the plans to implement the new wage are progressing smoothly. Mustafa Jafaru Kaura, spokesperson for Governor Dauda Lawal, mentioned:

“The committee has made significant progress on its task, and I assure you that once it concludes its work, Governor Lawal will definitely implement the new wage.”

Kaura emphasized the governor’s commitment to worker welfare, pointing out that shortly after taking office, the administration promptly increased the state’s minimum wage from ₦18,000 to ₦30,000.

Governor Lawal personally pledged to address all outstanding matters, stating:

Since taking office, the well-being of my workforce has been a top priority. When we started, state workers hadn’t received their salaries for four months, and addressing this was my first action.

As the December 1 deadline nears, employees in the three remaining states are awaiting solid commitments from their governments to prevent industrial action.