Last month, President Bola Tinubu signed the N70,000 National Minimum Wage Act into law, setting a new wage standard for Nigerian workers. While some states have initiated discussions on the consequential adjustments required for its implementation, the majority, including the Federal Government, are yet to take concrete steps. Reaching an agreement on these adjustments will be a challenging phase for workers, especially at state and local government levels.
In response, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has begun preparing its state council leaders through strategic training. These sessions aim to equip leaders with the necessary skills and strategies to successfully implement the new wage while learning from past challenges.
At a recent two-day workshop for the Northern Zone, NLC President Joe Ajaero addressed participants, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity and accountability. Ajaero highlighted that the success of this wage adjustment depends on the leadership’s commitment to delivering the benefits to workers.
“The implementation of the minimum wage cannot be complete until all workers experience its benefits,” Ajaero stated, urging leaders to focus on resilience, clear communication, and responsible leadership. He also warned of the consequences of betraying the workers’ trust for personal gain.
The NLC’s initiative is crucial in ensuring that the new wage law achieves its intended impact across the nation.
