The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a December 1, 2024, deadline for state governments to implement the new minimum wage of N70,000. In a statement following its National Executive Council meeting, the NLC criticized fuel marketers for inflating petrol prices, resulting in undue hardship for Nigerians. It also condemned what it termed “anti-people” policies that exacerbate economic strain and increase poverty.
NLC has called on state councils where the wage adjustment remains unfulfilled to initiate an indefinite strike starting December 1. Although some states have pledged or even surpassed the N70,000 benchmark, the implementation has been inconsistent. The NLC plans to form a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee to oversee compliance and educate citizens on their rights. It emphasized that Nigerian workers are demanding “justice” and promised to pressure both fuel marketers and the government to uphold the welfare of citizens, including the prompt revival of domestic refineries.
