States in last-minute negotiations to avert Monday’s minimum wage strike

Several states that have yet to adopt the N70,000 minimum wage are scrambling to meet the December 1 deadline set by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to avoid a nationwide strike.

Currently, Katsina, Cross River, and Zamfara remain the only states yet to fully implement the new wage. This follows Imo State’s recent approval, bringing the total number of compliant states, along with the Federal Capital Territory, to 33.

While the ₦70,000 minimum is the benchmark under the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act, some states have offered even higher figures. Lagos and Rivers lead the way with ₦85,000, with Lagos hinting at a potential increase to ₦100,000 in early 2025.

Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Oyo, and Niger states plan to pay ₦80,000, while Delta and Ogun are offering ₦77,000. Other states, including Ebonyi, Osun, Benue, and Kebbi, have approved ₦75,000, with further variations among others.

READ ALSO :ASCSN gives update on wage award arrears payment for civil servants

However, tensions remain high as workers in Cross River, Katsina, and Zamfara have expressed frustration over delays in implementing the wage increase.

Cross River Workers Demand Action
In Cross River, labour unions staged a two-day warning strike earlier this week, demanding an end to what they describe as government “delaying tactics.” Talks between union leaders and the state’s wage implementation committee have stalled, with workers accusing the government of reneging on commitments.

Cross River NLC Chairman Gregory Ulayi warned of more drastic measures:
“If the government does not negotiate and do the needful, we will embark on a total strike because it is a directive across the country,” he told The PUNCH.

Governor Bassey Otu previously announced a ₦40,000 minimum wage, citing financial constraints as the reason for the lower figure. His spokesperson, Nsa Gill, said the government remains committed to reaching a resolution, noting:
“We are trying to see how to build a stronger economic foundation that can make us pay a living wage to our civil servants.”

Katsina Faces Similar Challenges
In Katsina, labour leaders confirmed ongoing discussions between union representatives and a government-appointed committee. Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal had earlier inaugurated the committee, instructing it to develop a strategy for implementing the wage within three weeks. However, progress has reportedly been slow, sparking concerns of a looming industrial action.

An NLC official in Katsina, who spoke anonymously, said:
“Negotiation between the labour unions and the government committee members are still ongoing. Anything can happen between now and the December 1 deadline.”

Zamfara Government Reassures Workers
In Zamfara, officials have promised that plans to implement the new wage are well underway. Governor Dauda Lawal’s spokesperson, Mustafa Jafaru Kaura, stated:
“The committee has gone far in its assignment, and I am telling you that as soon as the committee finishes its work, Governor Lawal will surely implement the new wage.”

Kaura highlighted the governor’s track record on worker welfare, noting that upon assuming office, the administration immediately upgraded the state’s minimum wage from ₦18,000 to ₦30,000.

Governor Lawal himself expressed a commitment to resolving all pending issues, saying:
“The welfare of my workforce has been my priority since I assumed office. When we came on board, for four months workers of the state had not been paid their salaries, and the first thing I did was to pay the workers.”

As the December 1 deadline approaches, workers in the three remaining states are awaiting firm commitments from their governments to avert industrial action.

(PUNCH)