NLC Criticizes Government’s Announcement of N70,000 Minimum Wage Implementation; Give Reasons
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed strong disapproval following the federal government’s announcement regarding the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage. The Committee on Consequential Adjustments for Civil Servants convened on Friday, September 20, to discuss the new wage structure. Led by Didi Walson-Jack, head of the civil service, the committee revealed that payments will be retroactively applied starting from July 29, 2024.
Benson Upah, the NLC’s Head of Information, stated in an interview with The Punch on Saturday, September 21, that the government’s decision is unacceptable. He emphasized that the delay undermines the workers’ expectations.
Additionally, Timmy Etim, the National Vice President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), voiced his concerns, noting that during the May Day celebration, the Minister of State for Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, had assured workers that the new minimum wage would be effective from May. He criticized the government’s failure to honor this commitment as unfair to the workforce.
