The National Labour Congress (NLC) has reaffirmed that its December 1 deadline for the implementation of the revised minimum wage is non-negotiable.
In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage bill into law, increasing the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000.
By November 11, the NLC set a deadline of November 30 for state governments to adjust their wage structures accordingly. The union warned that any state failing to meet the deadline would face an indefinite strike by its members.
Although over 30 governors have approved the wage increase, some states, including Zamfara, Sokoto, Cross River, and Nasarawa, have not yet finalized agreements on the new pay scale.
Benson Upah, the NLC spokesperson, emphasized that while many states are complying, total compliance is essential. He stated that the union would proceed with its strike threat unless all states fulfill the directive.