By Omajemite Don
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared an indefinite strike in 14 states, effective Monday, December 2, 2024. Ejes Gist News understands the industrial action is in reaction to the failure of 14 states to implement the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000, which was assented to by President Bola Tinubu in July.
NLC Nigeria Minimum Wage Strike: FCT, Zamfara, Others Refuse to Pull Out as 6 States End NLC Strike The Minimum Wage Agreement The new wage law, which raised the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, was a product of extensive negotiations involving the federal government, labour unions, and private sector stakeholders.
However, nearly six months after its enactment, several states have yet to comply, leaving workers on the old wage structure.
NLC Nigeria Minimum Wage Strike: Affected States The 14 states affected by the strike include:
Abia
Akwa Ibom
Ebonyi
Ekiti
Enugu
Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
Imo
Nasarawa
Kaduna
Katsina
Oyo
Sokoto
Yobe
Zamfara
Zamfara NLC’s Directive The NLC leadership directed state councils in these areas to initiate the strike and emphasized that workers would remain off duty until the new wage structure is implemented.
The union reiterated its demand for national enforcement, having issued warnings in November. Labour’s Position
The NLC described the non-implementation of the minimum wage as unacceptable, stating that it is undermining the welfare of the workers, especially in the face of increased living costs. The union has asked state governments to prioritize their obligations to workers to prevent further protracted industrial disharmony.
