As the December 1 deadline looms, Katsina, Zamfara, and Cross River remain the only states yet to implement Nigeria’s N70,000 minimum wage, risking a shutdown by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
While 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory have complied with the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act, Cross River workers recently staged a two-day warning strike over the government’s refusal to implement the wage. Labour unions accused the state of delaying negotiations, citing Governor Bassey Otu’s announcement of a N40,000 minimum wage in May, which workers called inadequate.
With Lagos and Rivers leading with N85,000 monthly, the NLC warns that non-compliance by the remaining states could lead to mass industrial action, starting December 1.
Labour unrest is brewing in Cross River and Katsina states as workers threaten to embark on indefinite strikes over the failure to implement the N70,000 minimum wage mandated by the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. While most states have complied with the directive, these two states remain at an impasse, leaving workers frustrated and unions ready to escalate their demands.
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In Cross River, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to the state government following a two-day warning strike held between Monday and Tuesday. Gregory Ulayi, Chairman of the NLC in Cross River, described the strike as a “call to action” for the government to address the workers’ demands.
Speaking to The PUNCH, Ulayi confirmed that workers have since returned to their duties, awaiting further directives. However, he warned that the union is prepared to escalate to an indefinite strike if the government fails to meet its obligations.
“The warning strike was just the beginning,” Ulayi said. “We are waiting for the state government’s next move, but an indefinite strike is inevitable if there’s no concrete resolution.”
In a bid to avert the impending crisis, the Cross River government has initiated discussions with labour unions. According to Nsa Gill, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Otu, a committee has been established to negotiate terms with labour leaders.
Gill assured that the state government remains committed to implementing the minimum wage, potentially exceeding the N70,000 threshold. However, progress has been slow, and workers are growing impatient.
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Governor Otu previously announced a controversial N40,000 minimum wage during the International Workers’ Day celebration in May, citing the state’s financial constraints. This decision sparked outrage among workers who had hoped for parity with other states offering higher wages.
Meanwhile, Katsina State is also in hot water with its workforce due to its failure to implement the new minimum wage. The NLC has signaled its readiness to take action against the state government if immediate steps are not taken.
Like Cross River, Katsina risks facing industrial action that could cripple government operations and essential services.
Across the country, 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory have complied with the 2024 minimum wage directive, with several states offering wages above the mandated N70,000. Lagos and Rivers lead the pack, paying N85,000 monthly, with Lagos set to increase to N100,000 by early 2025.
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However, the delay by states like Cross River and Katsina underscores the challenges faced by some state governments in balancing wage increases with limited financial resources. Workers in these states argue that economic realities, including inflation and rising costs of living, demand urgent action to uplift their standard of living.
As December 1 approaches, all eyes are on the negotiations between Cross River’s government and labour leaders. The outcome will determine whether workers resume their duties or initiate an indefinite strike that could paralyze the state.
In Katsina, the situation remains equally precarious, with labour unions ready to escalate their demands. With the Nigeria Labour Congress standing firm, state governments must act swiftly to meet their obligations or risk widespread industrial action.
This unfolding scenario serves as a reminder of the critical need for proactive governance and timely engagement with labour unions to prevent disruptions and ensure the welfare of workers nationwide.