Last month, President Bola Tinubu signed the N70,000 new National Minimum Wage Act into law, marking a significant step forward for Nigerian workers.
However, the journey to full implementation remains challenging, as many states, including the Federal Government, have yet to finalize the consequential adjustments required for this new wage.
Some states have started discussions, but most are still lagging behind.
The implementation of the new minimum wage and the agreement on the consequential adjustments represent another phase in the ongoing struggle for workers, particularly at the state and local government levels.
Recognizing the challenges ahead, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has begun training its state council leaders.
The training aims to equip them with effective strategies for implementing the new wage, drawing on lessons from past experiences to ensure that workers fully benefit from the law.
During a two-day workshop for the Northern Zone of the country, NLC President Joe Ajaero addressed the participants, emphasizing the importance of integrity and dedication among state council leaders.
He warned against betraying the trust of workers for personal gain, stating that there would be severe consequences for any leader who compromises their position.
He said “The choice of the theme for this workshop; “Strategies for Effective implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act” is therefore intended to help prepare us to evolve effective strategies for a successful process during this cycle. It is intended to help us learn from our past mistakes and map strategies to effectively deliver the benefits of the Law to our members. As we have pointed out earlier, it is only when our members begin to enjoy its benefits that we beat our chest and exclaim; “we have done it”
“Remember comrades, Production they say in Economics is not complete until it reaches the final consumer so this national minimum wage exercise cannot be said to be complete until it reaches all of our members wherever they may be working. Your comrades are the vessels that would be used in delivering this. The extent to which you can deliver the expected benefits is dependent on your capacity and your character. Your focus and determination including your resilience and how you can communicate the process to our members in your respective states is very important. The situation to you presents both challenges and opportunities to you.
“However, the overall outcome is going to be dependent on the choices you will make. What those choices will be will largely be determined by what your interests are; either to be a responsible and responsive leader or to lead for yourselves and cronies. You must however remember that any of the choices you make will have its consequences.
