As the deadline for the N70,000 minimum wage looms, states like Katsina, Cross River, and Zamfara scramble to avoid strike action by workers.
As the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) sets a deadline of December 1, 2024, for the full implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, states that have yet to comply are scrambling to avoid strike actions by workers.
The three remaining states—Katsina, Cross River, and Zamfara—are under intense pressure as the deadline approaches.
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On Tuesday, the Imo State Government became the latest to implement the new wage, bringing the total number of states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that have complied to 33.
Lagos and Rivers remain the highest-paying states, offering N85,000 to their workers, with Lagos also announcing a future raise to N100,000 from the first quarter of 2025.
Several other states, including Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Oyo, and Niger, have settled on a higher wage, ranging from N77,000 to N80,000, while others like Abia, Plateau, and the FCT are paying the set N70,000.
However, Katsina, Cross River, and Zamfara are yet to finalise payments, with labour unions threatening action.
Cross River’s workers, already aggrieved by the state’s initial announcement of a N40,000 minimum wage in May 2024, began a two-day warning strike, which could escalate to an indefinite strike if their demands for N70,000 are not met.
In Cross River, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have made it clear that if the state government does not implement the new wage, they will launch a full strike.
Labour leaders expressed disappointment after the government failed to act following a meeting on November 18, where state officials delayed negotiations and proposed a January resolution.
NLC Chairman Gregory Ulayi reaffirmed the union’s stance, warning of an indefinite strike if the situation is not addressed.
Governor Bassey Otu’s administration has stated it is negotiating the minimum wage, with Chief Press Secretary Nsa Gill confirming that the government is committed to paying N70,000 or possibly more once talks conclude.
In Katsina, a committee was set up to implement the N70,000 wage, but sources suggest progress has been slow, with negotiations ongoing.
The state government, led by Governor Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, has acknowledged the financial difficulties faced by civil servants and has promised to address these challenges.
However, it remains uncertain whether the new wage will be fully approved in time to meet the NLC deadline.
Zamfara, on the other hand, has reportedly made substantial progress, with the state government confirming that a committee has been established to implement the new wage.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Communications, Mustafa Jafaru Kaura, assured that the wage would be implemented soon.
He also highlighted the improvements in the state’s civil service, including a rise from N18,000 to N30,000 in wages since Governor Dauda Lawal took office.
The push for a nationwide minimum wage increase stems from the National Minimum Wage Act of 2024, which mandates a N70,000 minimum wage for all states.
Failure to comply by the deadline could lead to nationwide strikes, as warned by the NLC. With only days left to meet the deadline, workers in the affected states are prepared to take further action if their demands are not met.
The pressure is mounting on these states to implement the new wage, with workers and union leaders determined to ensure the agreed wage is honoured, and to safeguard the financial well-being of Nigeria’s civil servants.
Source: Read more at tvcnews.tv
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
