Minimum Wage: NLC Knocks States Lagging as Oyo Begins N80,000 Payment

Organised Labour has critiised state governments lagging behind in the implementation of the new minimum wage.

This is as the Oyo State Government commenced the payment of workers N80,000 minimum wage, in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s promise.

The National Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed hope that by the end of January, other states like Imo, Sokoto, and Akwa Ibom will follow suit, despite concerns in some states where workers remain uncertain about the timing of the new wage.

The Oyo State Government officially commenced payment of the N80,000 minimum wage on Friday, distributing a total of N12 billion to its workers.

Makinde’s had promised to pay N80,000, which is above the Federal Government-approved N70,000 starting January 1, 2025.

According to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, workers on Grade Levels 1 to 6 will see a minimum of N50,000 added to their salaries, while those on Grade Level 17 will see their pay rise by over N180,000.

Oyo’s swift implementation of the new wage has been welcomed by workers, but the NLC is calling on other state governors to honour their legal obligations.

Hakeem Ambali, the National Treasurer of the NLC, urged the states that have yet to pay to settle the arrears and begin disbursement of the new wage immediately.

“It is a legal obligation that must take effect as required by law,” Ambali said, emphasising that the payment is not just a promise but a mandate that governors must fulfill to ensure industrial harmony.

Optimism in Imo, Sokoto, and Akwa Ibom

In Imo State, the NLC chapter has expressed optimism that workers will receive the new wage soon.

Uche Nwigwe, the chairman of the Imo State NLC, acknowledged the rising cost of living but expressed hope, saying, “We know that prices of goods have gone high, but we’re looking forward to it. Let us collect it first, and then we will know the reaction of Imo workers as it concerns the next line of action.”

Similarly, Sokoto State is set to begin implementing the new minimum wage by the end of January. The Secretary of the Sokoto NLC, Hamisu Hussaini, confirmed the state government’s commitment, stating, “Yes, based on our discussion with the state government, the new minimum wage will commence this month. The state government has commenced the verification of its workforce to ensure smooth implementation.”

Akwa Ibom State also announced that it would begin paying the N80,000 minimum wage to over 45,000 public servants, with payments backdated to November 1, 2024. TUC Chairman in the state, Dominic Abang, noted that workers were eagerly awaiting the payment, which he said would help alleviate the ongoing inflationary pressures.

Challenges in Other States

Despite the progress in some states, the situation remains unclear in places like Ebonyi and Cross River, where workers are still uncertain about when the new wages will take effect.

The NLC and other labour unions have urged state governors to prioritise the implementation of the new wage, warning that further delays will only deepen the already difficult economic situation.

The NLC has also pointed out that the new minimum wage, while a step in the right direction, has not fully addressed the economic challenges faced by workers, particularly with the rising cost of living and inflation. Ambali called for additional wage adjustments, urging the federal government to undertake further economic interventions to ease the burden on workers.

Pressure on Governors

Tommy Etim-Okon, the Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), warned that any governor who fails to pay the new wage risks being seen as an adversary of their own government.

“Any governor that fails to meet up with the payment of minimum wage to the workers is automatically an enemy of his own government,” Etim-Okon said, stressing that paying salaries is not a privilege but a right.

As the deadline for the implementation of the new minimum wage approaches, workers and labour unions are closely monitoring developments, urging all state governments to fulfill their promises and begin the disbursement of the new wage without further delay.