The prolonged delay in releasing the consequential adjustment template for the newly approved minimum wage has sparked anxiety among the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The new minimum wage, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on July 29, 2024, remains unenforced as workers await the government’s next move.
The NLC and TUC are urging the Federal and State governments to expedite the release of the implementation template, emphasizing the urgency due to the socioeconomic challenges facing Nigerian workers. Despite assurances from the Federal Ministry of Finance and the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, the delay persists, causing frustration among labor leaders.
TUC Deputy President, Comrade Tommy Etim Okon, expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the union has been pressing the government for the template but to no avail. “We are not comfortable with the delay and are mounting pressure on the government to urgently provide the template and begin implementation,” Okon said.
NLC’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Benson Upah, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that workers had expected the implementation process to have started by now. “We urge all state governments to expedite action towards a reasonable consequential adjustment of the new minimum wage for workers,” he added.
The delay has also drawn reactions from the private sector. The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) warned that enforcing the N70,000 minimum wage could lead to job losses, particularly among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) struggling with economic challenges. Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of CPPE, stated that while the wage increase is commendable, the financial strain on SMEs might force some to cut jobs.
Meanwhile, the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has urged the Federal Government to announce the promised support for businesses to help them meet the new wage requirements. Without this support, the OPSN fears that many businesses might struggle to comply with the new wage standards.
As the pressure mounts, seven states—Adamawa, Ondo, Osun, Lagos, Benue, Nasarawa, Borno, and Oyo—have indicated readiness to implement the N70,000 minimum wage, joining Edo, which has already commenced payment.
