Many states in Nigeria are lagging in implementing the new N70,000 minimum wage signed into law by President Tinubu. Labour leaders await a consequential adjustment template before negotiations, as federal workers demand action by September to address rising living costs and the delay in wage payments.
Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's signing of the National Minimum Wage Act, which established a new wage of N70,000, many states are lagging in its implementation. While Adamawa State has started paying the new wage, most others are still setting up necessary committees to facilitate compliance.
Federal workers have expressed frustration over the absence of a consequential adjustment template, which is crucial for establishing how the wage will be structured across various levels of government. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged patience among its members, emphasizing that negotiations cannot proceed without the template.
In states like Akwa Ibom, no discussions have begun, as labor leaders await federal guidance on adjusting the salary structure. In Zamfara, officials announced plans to form a committee to determine the payment modalities, while in Sokoto, no official moves have been made.
Workers in federal agencies are also anxious as the new wage was not included in the August salary. Union leaders are hopeful for the wage to appear in September paychecks, stressing that the cost of living crisis makes immediate action vital. They have called on the government to expedite the implementation process and address pending arrears to alleviate the financial burden on workers.
As states continue to grapple with the new wage, workers remain hopeful for a swift resolution that meets their pressing economic needs.
