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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its state councils to commence an indefinite strike starting December 1, 2024, in states that have failed to implement the new N70,000 minimum wage.
This directive follows a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where NLC leadership reviewed grievances over states’ failure to meet the newly legislated wage requirements, despite the escalating cost of living.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, in a communiqué released after the meeting, condemned the neglect of workers’ rights and the federal government’s “anti-people policies” that have exacerbated the hardships of Nigerian citizens.
The communiqué stressed the union’s frustration with the unchecked rise in inflation and the increasing costs of basic necessities, which are placing severe burdens on the average Nigerian worker.
The NEC expressed “grave alarm” over threats to democracy and the erosion of citizens’ rights, stressing that the state’s frequent arrests, detentions, and questionable trials against dissidents are troubling signs of declining democratic norms.
The NLC warned that it would not tolerate any political victimization of workers through withheld salaries or other benefits.
“The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act,” Ajaero stated.
“This betrayal by certain governors disregards legality and morality, forcing millions of workers into economic destitution. These actions exploit the very workers they pledged to protect.”
The union’s leadership vowed to uphold workers’ rights, ensuring no state delays or refuses the mandated minimum wage adjustment.
The NLC urged the federal government to reconsider policies perceived as harmful to Nigerians, as they lead to economic hardship and disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens.
The communiqué read, “The NEC, therefore, resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will among others commence a nationwide assessment, mobilization and sensitization campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.
“Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.
“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 from December 1, 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have.”
