The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to commence a strike on Monday, December 1, in Katsina, Cross River, and Zamfara states over their failure to implement the new national minimum wage of N70,000.
This action comes despite 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) already complying with the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. Some states, such as Lagos and Rivers, have gone above the minimum threshold, with Lagos offering the highest wage at N85,000. Others, including Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Oyo, and Niger, have approved N80,000, while Delta and Ogun are paying N77,000. Several more states have set wages between N71,000 and N75,000.
However, Katsina, Cross River, and Zamfara remain outliers, prompting last-minute negotiations with the NLC to avert the strike.
Cross River
In Cross River, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are leading efforts to demand the N70,000 minimum wage. A two-day warning strike was held on November 24 after talks with the state’s wage implementation committee ended in a deadlock.
Labour leaders criticized Governor Bassey Otu’s earlier proposal of a N40,000 minimum wage, citing financial constraints. NLC Chairman Gregory Ulayi warned that an indefinite strike would follow if the government failed to meet demands. Meanwhile, the state government claims to be working on a resolution, with a committee tasked to finalize negotiations.
Katsina
Katsina State has formed a 15-member committee, including labour representatives, to address the wage issue. The committee is currently assessing the number of workers and the financial impact of implementing the N70,000 wage. However, it remains unclear if an agreement will be reached before the December 1 deadline.
Zamfara
In Zamfara, the government has assured progress, with a committee set up to finalize implementation details. According to Mustafa Jafaru Kaura, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dauda Lawal, the state has increased wages in the past and is committed to implementing the new wage soon.
National Context
The NLC has intensified pressure on non-compliant states, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment of workers nationwide. With Lagos leading at N85,000 and other states offering substantial increases, workers in the affected states hope for similar outcomes.
If negotiations fail, the labour union has vowed to escalate the protest into a full-blown strike, signaling a significant test for the affected state governments.
