The Organized Labour has issued a stern warning to state governments yet to implement the newly approved ₦70,000 minimum wage, cautioning that continued non-compliance could lead to nationwide unrest.
This comes three months after President Bola Tinubu signed the National Minimum Wage Act into law following extensive negotiations with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). While some states have made progress in adjusting wages, many are still lagging, according to NLC spokesperson Benson Upah.
Upah, speaking to *Saturday Sun*, highlighted that the issue of consequential wage adjustment—how salary increments are distributed based on employee grade levels—has caused delays in some states. He urged these governments to act swiftly, considering the rising cost of living and fluctuating exchange rates.
"All states are at various stages of implementation," Upah said. "For instance, Lagos State has increased its minimum wage to ₦85,000, Ogun is paying ₦77,000, Ondo ₦73,000, Kogi ₦72,500, and Gombe ₦71,500. Other states such as Delta, Adamawa, Edo, Borno, Ekiti, Cross River, and Benue are also making progress, while several others have set up committees for implementation."
Upah emphasized that states are legally obligated to comply with the new wage law, especially as their financial allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) have increased. "Failure to implement this law would only lead to trouble, and those who refuse to pay will invite trouble upon themselves," he added.
Similarly, General Secretary of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Joshua Apebo, revealed that no state has fully implemented the minimum wage as of now. Many have only made public announcements of their intent to comply, but no concrete actions have been taken.
"We expect state governments to start paying the new wage this month," Apebo said. "There will also be consequential adjustments across all grade levels. States cannot refuse to pay, as they were part of the negotiations and must abide by the law."
Apebo noted that the wage law took effect in July, and state governments are expected to pay the new wage, including arrears, after final negotiations with their workers.
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
Ex Madrid Player, Xabi Alonso Seals Managerial Move To Real Madrid As Ancelotti Bows Out
EFCC Roars, Vows Tompolo Is Not Above The Law And Will Be Prosecuted
I'm No Longer Interested, My Spirit Has Left There - Fubara Speaks on Returning As Rivers Gov. (VID)
Panic In Abuja As Pastor Shoots Two Immigration Officers After Being Mistaken Them For Robbers
Retired Teacher, Mallam Kabiru Killed, Wife Abducted As Bandits Invade Zamfara School Quarters
Army Busts Gunrunning Syndicate in Plateau, Two Arrested With AK-47 (Photos)