Rough road ahead for new minimum wage implementation, NLC warns

As workers especially in the public sector await the template for the implementation of the N70,000 new national minimum wage by the federal government, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has alerted its state councils to prepare for serious battle to ensure full implementation of the new wage.

According to NLC, winning the fight for a new minimum wage is not enough, but to ensure it is implemented in full for the benefits of all.

These were the thrust of the address by the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, to Congress’ state councils from the South, at a two day workshop in Lagos organised by NLC supported by Fredrich Ebert Stiftung, FES, and the International Labour Organisation, ILO.

The theme of the workshop was “Strategies for Effective Implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.”

Among others, Ajaero said “The wage of a single worker often sustains many more—feeding families, educating children, and supporting communities. It is not merely a pay-check; it is the lifeblood of society. When we fight for better wages, we are not asking for charity. We are fulfilling a sacred duty—to build a vibrant economy, to uplift the nation, and to secure the dignity of work. This is a divine responsibility, one that we are bound by conscience and duty to carry out.

“On the 3rd of this month, we were in Kano where we kicked off this workshop beginning with the Northern zone and now, we are here for the Southern zone. And, as we gather here today, just as I told them in Kano, know that the eyes of every worker are upon us. They depend on our courage, our resolve, and our unity to carry their voices to the negotiation tables that await us.

“We all followed the battle that led to the new National Minimum Wage act. We saw the threats, the drama, the propaganda, and the unrelenting attempts to weaken our cause. We were called names, vilified, and faced with all manners of intimidation. But we did not bow. We stood strong. We sacrificed, not just for ourselves, but for every worker in this country.

“Yet, winning the fight for a new minimum wage is not enough. We must now ensure that it is implemented in full, so that its benefits reach every corner of Nigeria, from the largest cities to the smallest villages. 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.

“But remember why we are here: 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.”

On the workshop, the NLC President explained that it was “designed to equip us with the tools we need to make that fight successful. Our goal is not just to celebrate the passage of the law—it is to make sure every worker feels its impact in their daily lives. And that responsibility rests with each of you here. You are the vessels through which this victory will be delivered to our members. You must be strong, focused, and unwavering.”

He advised workers and other Labour leaders to “Stay focused, stay engaged, and let us leave here more determined than ever to deliver the benefits our members deserve. Let us share experiences and learn from each here. We warn again, any state council or official that is found colluding with employers; Private or Public to deny workers the full benefits of this Act will be appropriately sanctioned. Together, we will overcome. Together, we will deliver the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act to our members, no matter the challenges.”

Ajaero also lauded FES, and the ILO for their unwavering support to NLC.