In states that have not yet implemented the new minimum wage, the Nigeria Labour Congress, or NLC, has directed its members to go on indefinite strike starting on December 1, 2024.

Following its National Executive Council, or NEC, meeting over the weekend, the NLC adopted the directive as one of its resolutions.

“The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act,” the meeting’s communiqué said.

As workers continue to be denied their proper salaries in the face of growing economic hardship, this betrayal by some governors and government officials across goes against both law and morals.

Millions of Nigerian workers are being exploited by the very politicians who have vowed to protect them, and this is a flagrant disregard for the law.

Therefore, the NEC decides to establish a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, which will, among other things, launch a national mobilization, assessment, and sensitization campaign to inform employees and people about the importance of standing up to this attack on their rights and dignity.

Furthermore, until the minimum wage is completely implemented throughout Nigeria, the NLC will not back down and will launch a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states.

In light of this, all state councils that have not fully adopted the National Minimum Wage by the end of November 2024 have been ordered to go on strike starting on December 1st, 2024. Nigerian laborers demand justice, and they will get it.

Regarding the country’s deteriorating economic circumstances, the NLC stated that its NEC is deeply concerned about the growing economic suffering being inflicted on Nigerians.

Among other things, it pointed out that inflation is still rising unchecked and that the average worker can no longer afford the cost of essential commodities.

The NLC called on the Federal Government to alleviate the suffering immediately and with tangible actions rather than just symbolic ones.

We demand that comprehensive social protection policies be put in place to safeguard Nigerians from poverty, offer reasonably priced healthcare, and guarantee wages that are commensurate with the actual cost of living.

In light of this, we demand a national wage review, which should include an examination of all the policies that have emasculated Nigerians, the statement said.