While public sector employees eagerly await the federal government’s implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged its state councils to prepare for a major challenge that lies ahead.
The NLC stressed that winning the wage hike is just one aspect of the fight; the real triumph is ensuring that it is carried out completely for the benefit of all workers.
NLC President Joe Ajaero said as much at a two-day workshop in Lagos for the organization’s southern state councils.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Fredrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) hosted a workshop with the theme “Strategies for Effective Implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.”
“The wage of a single worker often sustains many more—feeding families, educating children, and supporting communities,” said Ajaero, underscoring the significance of fair wages. It is the lifeblood of civilization, not just a paycheck. We are not pleading for charity when we push for higher pay. Building a thriving economy, uplifting the country, and preserving the dignity of work are the sacred tasks we are performing. This is a divine responsibility, one that we are obligated by conscience and duty to carry out.
We began our session in Kano on the third of this month, focusing on the northern zone. Currently, we are in the southern zone. And remember that every worker is watching us as we assemble here today, just like I informed them in Kano. They rely on our bravery, tenacity, and cohesion to bring their voices to the negotiating tables that lie ahead.
“We all followed the battle that led to the new National Minimum Wage act,” Ajaero added, reflecting on the fight that resulted in the new minimum pay. We watched the threats, the drama, the misinformation, and the persistent attempts to damage our cause. We endured derogatory remarks, demonization, and various forms of coercion. However, we didn’t bow. We maintained our position. We made sacrifices for all of the workers in this nation, not just for ourselves.
However, winning the battle to raise the minimum wage is insufficient. Now, we have to make sure it is fully implemented so that its advantages are felt in every part of Nigeria, from the biggest metropolis to the smallest villages.
He cautioned that there would probably be opposition, insults, and blackmail along the way, making the journey ahead difficult.
“Be aware that the journey ahead won’t be any simpler if we encountered such strong opposition at the negotiation stage. Anticipate insults, threats, and attempts to coerce you into paying money.
But never forget our purpose for being here: we hold the members’ aspirations and confidence. Our capacity to defend them will determine how well their children eat, live, and attend school, Ajaero continued.
The workshop’s objective, according to the NLC President, is to get leaders ready for the work that lies ahead: “Our goal is not just to celebrate the law’s passage—it is to ensure that every worker feels its impact in their daily lives.” And everybody of you present bears responsibility for that. You are the means by which our members will receive this victory. You have to be resolute, tough, and focused.
He also issued a warning, saying that appropriate sanctions will be meted out to any state council or official shown to be conspiring with employers—private or public—to deny workers their full entitlements under the new law.
In addition to thanking FES and the ILO for their ongoing support of the NLC, Ajaero urged participants to remain involved and concentrated on providing their members with the advantages of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
Together, we can conquer. Despite the obstacles, we will work together to ensure that our members receive the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act,” he said.