The planned nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage faces challenges as several state chapters of the union have decided to withdraw from the action. These developments have raised concerns about the potential effectiveness of the strike.
In July, President Bola Tinubu approved a new minimum wage of N70,000, promising to review it every three years. While some states, including Lagos and Rivers, have surpassed the mandate by offering N85,000, others have yet to implement the new wage. These lagging states include Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Imo, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Oyo, Cross River, Sokoto, Yobe, Zamfara, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Despite the national directive, many state chapters have opted out of the strike, citing agreements with their respective governments. For instance, in Imo State, NLC Chairman Uche Chigaemezu confirmed that the union would not participate, stating, “We cannot think of embarking on any strike because we have reached an agreement with the state government.”
Similarly, Sokoto State has withdrawn from the strike after Governor Ahmed Aliyu approved the minimum wage for implementation in January 2025. Representatives of the union and the state government signed a memorandum of understanding to solidify this agreement.
In Oyo State, the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) both announced their decision to abstain, emphasizing their ongoing negotiations with the government. Kayode Martins, the state NLC chairman, remarked, “We have liaised with the national secretariat and let them realize the stage we are at.”
Katsina and Akwa Ibom states have followed suit, with union leaders stating that agreements with their governments have made the strike unnecessary. TUC Chairman in Akwa Ibom, Dominic Abang, noted significant progress in discussions, while Katsina NLC Chairman Hussaini Danduna confirmed the new wage would be implemented in December.
However, other states such as Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Zamfara have expressed their readiness to join the strike. The NLC in the FCT also confirmed its participation, citing the government’s failure to implement the minimum wage as a “gross violation of the law.” Workers in the territory have been directed to commence an indefinite strike.
Meanwhile, negotiations are ongoing in Jigawa, Cross River, and Zamfara states. Officials in these states have promised to implement the new wage once agreements are finalized.
The NLC’s national leadership, however, has dismissed the excuses given by non-complying states, emphasizing that verbal commitments without formal agreements or action are unacceptable. Akeem Ambali, the NLC National Treasurer, stated, “Labour will embark on strike by midnight of the 30th of this month. We have mobilized for that.”
