The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government until the end of May to finalize the implementation of the new national minimum wage for workers.
Mr. Joe Ajaero, the President of NLC, made this demand during the 2024 International Workers Day celebration in Abuja.
This year’s theme, ‘Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate’, underscores the importance of workplace safety.
Ajaero emphasized that if the negotiation process is not concluded by the end of May, Nigeria might face industrial unrest.
He stated that the negotiation process for the new national minimum wage is ongoing and has seen active engagement from all parties involved.
The NLC has proposed a minimum wage of N615,000, awaiting a counteroffer from the government and employers.
Ajaero also highlighted that they are demanding a new Act with a two-year lifespan, allowing for automatic wage adjustments whenever inflation exceeds 7.5 percent.
Furthermore, the NLC demands that every employer with up to five workers should comply with the new minimum wage.
Ajaero stressed the need to strengthen monitoring and compliance mechanisms to penalize non-compliant state governments.
He concluded by stating that Nigerian workers deserve a national minimum wage that ensures a decent standard of living.
