The Nigerian Labour Congress has given state governments until December 1, 2024, to implement the new minimum wage.
It also accused fuel marketers of manipulating gasoline prices, stating that the pump price is much more than the true market value.
The NLC claimed that Nigerians were being exploited, with residents experiencing more misery and hunger as a result of government policies that continue to push millions into poverty.
In a statement issued on Sunday following its National Executive Council meeting, the NLC noted the extreme economic hardship across the country and urged for an immediate reconsideration of measures it termed as “anti-people.”
The NLC also urged state councils where the new minimum wage has not yet been introduced to hold an indefinite strike beginning December 1, 2024, in protest of unresolved labor issues.
In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved increasing Nigeria’s minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000.
However, adoption has been delayed among states, with some still waiting to accept the new minimum wage.
While some states have agreed to meet the N70,000 minimum wage, others have gone above and beyond, agreeing to pay sums that exceed the federal mandate.
As of the first week of November, more than 20 states had indicated plans to implement the new minimum wage.
“The NEC, therefore, resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will, among others, commence a nationwide assessment, mobilization, and sensitization campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.
