The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized the indifferent stance of certain state governments regarding the implementation of the new minimum wage, News About Nigeria reports.
The NLC has issued an ultimatum, giving the government until November 30 to begin implementation or face an indefinite strike.
This decision followed the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting over the weekend.
The strike, scheduled to begin on December 1, 2024, will reportedly continue until the minimum wage is implemented across all states in the Federation.
The Labour Congress described the refusal of some governors to implement the minimum wage as a betrayal, labeling it a flagrant disregard for both the law and the well-being of millions of Nigerian workers.
The NLC further expressed that workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amid rising economic hardships and condemned the government for exploiting those it is meant to protect.
The communiqué from the NEC meeting reads, in part, “The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
“This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship.
“It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them.
“To this end, all state councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning December 1, 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have.”
