NLC Sets December 1 Deadline for Unpaid Minimum Wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has ordered workers in states that are yet to implement the new minimum wage to begin an indefinite strike on December 1, 2024, in protest of unresolved labor issues.

This follows the NLC’s December 1 deadline for state governments still not adhering to the new wage standard.

In a statement issued on Sunday after its National Executive Council meeting, the NLC expressed frustration over state governments’ failure to adopt the updated wage, which it called a “blatant disregard for the law.”

The union criticized the delay in enforcement amid worsening economic conditions, calling it a betrayal of Nigerian workers and accusing certain governors and officials of neglecting their duty to serve.

Raising concerns about the severe economic hardship nationwide, the NLC called for urgent policy reviews, describing current policies as “anti-people.”

The union argued that citizens face worsening suffering due to government policies, which it claims are pushing many into poverty.

In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved a new minimum wage of N70,000, up from N30,000. However, implementation has been inconsistent across states, with some states committing to the N70,000 minimum and others pledging even higher payments.