The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to its state council leaders to ensure the full implementation of the ₦70,000 National Minimum Wage Act.
President Bola Tinubu recently signed the act into law, but some states have yet to take action.
The NLC is urging its leaders to negotiate and enforce the new wage to avoid past mistakes.
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A training initiative has been launched to equip state council leaders with effective strategies.
The goal is to ensure smooth implementation at state and local government levels.
During a two-day workshop for the Northern Zone, NLC President, Joe Ajaero emphasized the importance of loyalty to workers.
He warned state leaders against compromising on implementation for personal gain, threatening severe consequences.
The workshop aimed to prepare leaders for the task ahead, with a focus on effective implementation strategies.
The NLC President stressed that success is measured only when the minimum wage reaches all workers, regardless of location or employment level.
Ajaero said “The choice of the theme for this workshop; ‘Strategies for Effective implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act’ is therefore intended to help prepare us to evolve effective strategies for a successful process during this cycle.
“It is intended to help us learn from our past mistakes and map strategies to effectively deliver the benefits of the Law to our members. As we have pointed out earlier, it is only when our members begin to enjoy its benefits that we beat our chest and exclaim; ‘we have done it’
“Remember comrades, Production they say in Economics is not complete until it reaches the final consumer so this national minimum wage exercise cannot be said to be complete until it reaches all of our members wherever they may be working. Your comrades are the vessels that would be used in delivering this.
“The extent to which you can deliver the expected benefits is dependent on your capacity and your character. Your focus and determination including your resilience and how you can communicate the process to our members in your respective states is very important. The situation to you presents both challenges and opportunities to you.
“However, the overall outcome is going to be dependent on the choices you will make. What those choices will be will largely be determined by what your interests are; either to be a responsible and responsive leader or to lead for yourselves and cronies. You must however remember that any of the choices you make will have its consequences.”
With this initiative, the NLC is taking proactive steps to ensure the new minimum wage benefits all Nigerian workers.
