NLC Targets States Failing Minimum Wage Compliance

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to target states that do not fully implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act, which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on July 29, 2024, raising the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000. The NLC, led by General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, condemned several state governments for failing to comply with the Act, which includes provisions for timely payment of the new wage and coverage for local government staff, primary school teachers, and health workers.

The NLC described this non-compliance as a violation of workers' rights and dignity. In observance of International Workers' Day on May 1, 2026, the NLC has directed its councils in non-compliant states to ensure no ceremonies are held at government venues, instead organizing peaceful assemblies to demand compliance.

The NLC also highlighted the urgent need for a review of the minimum wage due to rising inflation, proposing a new minimum wage of ₦154,000 by March 2026.