ActionAid and NLC Demand Better Minimum Wage Compliance

ActionAid Nigeria and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have urged for enhanced compliance with the minimum wage across Nigeria, expressing concerns over uneven implementation, rising living costs, and inadequate pensions that undermine workers' welfare. During a meeting to discuss minimum-wage implementation and findings from a nationwide assessment, NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized the need to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage immediately, arguing that the current wage of ₦30,000, which is set to increase to ₦70,000 in 2024, has been significantly eroded by inflation and rising petrol prices.

Ajaero also called for a minimum pension to be negotiated alongside the new wage, highlighting that some retirees receive as little as ₦20,000 or ₦30,000 monthly. ActionAid Nigeria Country Director Andrew Mamedu noted that poor implementation remains a significant challenge, with compliance being uneven across states and local governments.

The assessment revealed that some governments had not fully applied the required salary adjustments, which should maintain appropriate salary differences across grades and steps.