The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reaffirmed that its December 1, 2024, ultimatum to state governors to implement the new minimum wage remains unchanged. Benson Upah, the NLC’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, confirmed this position in a message to Saturday PUNCH in Abuja, stating, “Yes, the ultimatum still stands. Nothing has changed.”
The NLC had earlier directed state governments to implement the wage adjustment by the end of November or face potential industrial action.
Several state governments are currently taking steps to meet the deadline. In Sokoto State, Deputy Governor Alhaji Idris Gobir met with the state’s NLC chapter and urged them to submit their proposal for the wage adjustment.
Gobir assured the union of his support, saying, “Go and bring your proposal for the new minimum wage implementation, and I assure you that I will facilitate the process of quick harmonization.”
Sokoto NLC Chairman, Abdullahi Jungul, commended the government’s commitment and urged workers to remain calm, assuring them that the union had submitted its proposal.
In Zamfara State, the government announced plans to commence payment of the new minimum wage after completing an ongoing worker verification exercise. Officials explained that the delay in implementation was due to issues related to ghost workers.
Zamfara, under the administration of former Governor Bello Matawalle, had not implemented the 2019 minimum wage of N30,000.
Taraba State has approved the implementation of a new N70,000 minimum wage effective November 2024. This decision was disclosed by the Head of Service, Paul Maigida, who said, “His Excellency, Governor Agbu Kefas, has approved the implementation of N70,000 new minimum wage for workers in Taraba State with effect from November 2024.”
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has also approved the immediate implementation of the same amount following an agreement with the Committee on Consequential Adjustment on Salaries.
In other states, progress has been slower. Cross River’s Committee on Minimum Wage is still negotiating terms for workers. In Imo, the state government has remained silent on the matter, while in Osun, the committee has yet to unveil any wage package despite the increasing inflation.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) continues to monitor developments across the country. TUC National Vice President Tommy Etim emphasized the union’s commitment to ensuring that state governments comply with the deadline.
As December 1 approaches, pressure mounts on state governors to implement the new wage structure and avoid potential industrial actions.
