As public sector workers await the federal government’s guidelines for implementing the new national minimum wage of N70,000, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is mobilizing its state councils for a significant push to ensure full compliance. The NLC has emphasized that securing a new minimum wage is only the first step; ensuring its effective implementation is crucial for the benefit of all workers.
During a two-day workshop in Lagos, attended by state councils from the South and organized by the NLC in collaboration with Fredrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), NLC President Joe Ajaero stressed the importance of this initiative. The theme of the workshop was “Strategies for Effective Implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.”
Ajaero articulated the broader implications of wage increases, stating, “The wage of a single worker often sustains many more—feeding families, educating children, and supporting communities. It is not merely a paycheck; it is the lifeblood of society.” He emphasized that fighting for better wages is a sacred duty, crucial for building a vibrant economy and ensuring the dignity of work.
The NLC President recalled the struggles and sacrifices made during the negotiations for the new minimum wage, mentioning the challenges faced, including threats, propaganda, and intimidation. “We stood strong. We sacrificed, not just for ourselves, but for every worker in this country,” he asserted.
Ajaero acknowledged that the fight for a new minimum wage was just the beginning. “If we faced such fierce opposition at the negotiation stage, then know that the road ahead will not be any easier. Be prepared for insults, threats, and attempts to blackmail you,” he warned.
The workshop aimed to equip NLC members with the necessary tools to successfully advocate for the implementation of the new wage. Ajaero called for unity and resolve, stating, “The trust and hopes of our members rest in our hands. Their meals, their homes, their children’s education depend on our ability to fight for them.”
He reiterated the commitment of the NLC to ensure that every worker feels the impact of the new wage in their daily lives, urging leaders to remain strong and focused. “Any state council or official that is found colluding with employers, whether private or public, to deny workers the full benefits of this Act will be appropriately sanctioned,” he warned.
Ajaero also expressed gratitude to FES and the ILO for their continued support of the NLC’s efforts. As the implementation phase approaches, the NLC is determined to hold the government accountable and ensure that the new minimum wage reaches every worker across Nigeria, regardless of their location.