Nigeria Labour Congress gears up for battle over N70,000 minimum wage implementation

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has alerted its state councils to prepare for a fierce battle to ensure the full implementation of the new N70,000 national minimum wage.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this call at a two-day workshop in Lagos organized by the NLC, supported by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

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 3rd of this month, we were in Kano where we kicked off this workshop beginning with the Northern zone and now, we are here for the Southern zone. And, as we gather here today, just as I told them in Kano, know that the eyes of every worker are upon us. They depend on our courage, our resolve, and our unity to carry their voices to the negotiation tables that await us.

“We all followed the battle that led to the new National Minimum Wage act. We saw the threats, the drama, the propaganda, and the unrelenting attempts to weaken our cause. We were called names, vilified, and faced with all manners of intimidation. But we did not bow. We stood strong. We sacrificed, not just for ourselves, but for every worker in this country.

“Yet, winning the fight for a new minimum wage is not enough. We must now ensure that it is implemented in full, so that its benefits reach every corner of Nigeria, from the largest cities to the smallest villages. If we faced such fierce opposition at the negotiation stage, then know that the road ahead will not be any easier. Be prepared for insults, threats, and attempts to blackmail you.

“But remember why we are here: the trust and hopes of our members rest in our hands. Their meals, their homes, their children’s education depend on our ability to fight for them.”

Ajaero reminded workers that winning the fight for a new minimum wage is not enough, but ensuring its implementation is crucial. He warned workers to expect insults, threats, and attempts to blackmail them, but urged them to remain focused and united.

“Stay focused, stay engaged, and let us leave here more determined than ever to deliver the benefits our members deserve. Let us share experiences and learn from each other. We warn again, any state council or official found colluding with employers—private or public—to deny workers the full benefits of this Act will be appropriately sanctioned. Together, we will overcome. Together, we will deliver the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act to our members, no matter the challenges.”