As the December 1 deadline for implementing the N70,000 minimum wage approaches, Katsina, Zamfara, and Cross River remain the only states yet to comply, raising the likelihood of industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Following the approval of the new wage by 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory, including Imo, which sanctioned the implementation on Tuesday, the remaining three states are under pressure to avoid a shutdown of activities due to potential strikes.
Several states have exceeded the N70,000 benchmark, with Lagos and Rivers leading at N85,000, and Lagos promising workers up to N100,000 monthly by 2025. Others, such as Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Oyo, and Niger, have set wages at N80,000, while Ebonyi, Osun, Benue, and Kebbi approved N75,000.
However, Cross River workers have already staged a two-day warning strike, citing dissatisfaction with Governor Bassey Otu’s announcement of a N40,000 minimum wage earlier in the year. Labour leaders have criticized the government’s perceived delay tactics, with NLC Chairman Gregory Ulayi warning of an indefinite strike if the state fails to meet the national directive.
In response, Governor Otu’s Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, stated that the state government is actively negotiating with labour leaders to meet or exceed the N70,000 target, while acknowledging the December 1 deadline.
Similarly, Katsina State risks industrial action, as workers await compliance with the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. Zamfara’s stance remains unclear, adding to concerns about a nationwide labour disruption in non-compliant states.
With the NLC’s firm directive for uniform implementation, the coming days will determine if last-minute negotiations can avert widespread strikes in these states.
