Osamagbe Imadiyi.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, or NLC, has warned its state councils to brace for a fierce fight to secure the full implementation of the new wage, as workers, particularly in the public sector, wait for the federal government to provide a template for the implementation of the N70,000 new national minimum wage.
The NLC contends that winning the battle for a higher minimum wage is not sufficient; what is needed is to make sure it is fully implemented for the good of all. At a two-day workshop in Lagos organized by NLC with support from Fredrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), these were the main points of Joe Ajaero, President of NLC,’s speech to state councils of Congress from the South. Strategic plans for implementing the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act effectively were the workshop’s theme.
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 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.” “Stay focused, stay engaged, and let us leave here more determined than ever to deliver the benefits our members deserve,” he counseled laborers and other union leaders.
“Here, let us exchange experiences and benefit from one another. Once more, we issue a warning: any state council member or official found to be working with private or public employers to deny employees the full benefits of this Act will face appropriate consequences. We will conquer together. Despite the obstacles, we will work together to ensure that our members receive the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.” Ajaero also praised the ILO and FES for their steadfast support of NLC.