The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to state governments and employers to fully implement the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 along with consequential salary adjustments by the end of the first quarter of 2025. Failure to comply, the union warned, would lead to severe consequences.
Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and National Internal Auditor of the NLC, made this declaration during SSANU’s National Leadership Retreat in Abuja on Wednesday.
He expressed frustration over the reluctance of some state governments and institutions to comply with the wage law, emphasizing that such actions would not go unchallenged.
Government Insincerity to Workers
Addressing concerns over non-implementation, Ibrahim accused the government and some employers of insincerity, stating that the law was clear on the new wage structure and should be followed.
“The problem with the government and employers of labour is insincerity. The national minimum wage has been signed into law, and payments should have commenced nationwide. However, in many universities and states, the wage is treated as just an award without full implementation,” he said.
To ensure compliance, he warned that by the end of the first quarter of 2025, any employer or state government failing to implement the new wage would face legal and industrial action.
“Labour laws are there to protect workers, and we have all it takes to enforce them. Any state or employer that refuses to implement the minimum wage and consequential adjustments will face the consequences,” Ibrahim declared.
Alleged Corruption in Budget Defense
On reports that members of the National Assembly allegedly demanded ₦8 million from each university vice chancellor during budget defense sessions, Ibrahim stated that the labour movement would investigate and act if the claims were substantiated.
“The National Assembly is not too big for us to challenge. If any lawmakers are found engaging in corrupt practices, we will expose and fight them. Labour will only support those who work for the good of the people,” he asserted.
Challenges Within the Labour Movement
Ibrahim also lamented that internal sabotage within labour unions weakens strike actions and negotiations, stating that some members act against collective struggles through blackmail and secret dealings with employers.
“This is not unique to SSANU; it happens across sectors. This retreat is aimed at educating members on the importance of unity and discipline in fighting for workers’ rights,” he explained.
The Need for Continuous Capacity Building
Beyond wage struggles, Ibrahim stressed the importance of continuous training and development for university staff to enhance the quality of education. He urged universities to remain centers of learning and innovation.
“Staff must be continuously trained to meet global best practices. As SSANU leaders, we must equip ourselves with knowledge and share it across all levels,” he said.
The retreat featured notable figures, including former NLC President Ayuba Wabba, former SSANU President Chief Promise Adeusi, and the Director-General of the Institute of Mentoring and Coaching, Dr. Rotimi Mathew.
With labour unions set for tougher action, the coming months could see intensified confrontations between workers and defaulters of the minimum wage law, as the NLC remains committed to ensuring fair wages for Nigerian workers.