The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on its state councils to brace for a tough fight ahead as public sector workers anticipate the full implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage by the federal government. NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized that while securing the wage increase is a major victory, the real challenge lies in ensuring it reaches all workers across the country.
During a two-day workshop in Lagos, organized by Fredrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Ajaero highlighted the importance of fair wages in sustaining families and communities. He urged NLC leaders to stand strong, reminding them of the struggles they faced in achieving the new wage and the ongoing responsibility to ensure its complete implementation, despite expected resistance from various quarters.
Ajaero warned that the road ahead would not be easy, with likely opposition and attempts at blackmail. He called for unity and unwavering focus among NLC leaders, stressing that any official found compromising workers’ rights would face sanctions. The workshop aimed to equip leaders with strategies to ensure the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act benefits every worker nationwide.