The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given state governments a deadline of December 1, 2024, to fully implement the new minimum wage of N70,000.
The union also raised concerns over the rising cost of petrol, accusing fuel marketers of inflating prices and overcharging consumers.
In a statement following its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the NLC emphasized the economic hardship Nigerians are facing, blaming government policies for exacerbating the suffering of citizens.
The labour body condemned the gradual implementation of the new wage across states, with several yet to adopt the N70,000 figure set by the federal government in July 2024.
Although over 20 states have pledged to comply with the new wage, some have announced they will pay even more than the federal minimum.
However, the NLC warned that those states still holding out would face industrial action.
The union has threatened an indefinite strike beginning December 1, 2024, in states where the new wage has not been implemented.
“The NEC resolved to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee to monitor progress, educate workers, and launch a nationwide campaign. We will not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across the country,” the NLC stated.
The union also expressed growing concerns over the pricing of petrol, which it said is significantly higher than the true market value.
The NLC accused fuel marketers of exploiting Nigerians, citing the ongoing dispute between marketers and the Dangote Group over pricing as evidence of corruption in the sector.
It called for a more transparent pricing system and urged the government to prioritize the reopening of Nigeria’s domestic refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.
The NLC made it clear that Nigerian workers were no longer willing to endure the economic hardship and exploitation.
“We demand justice, and we will not stop until we get it,” the union declared.
