Organized Labour has urged Nigerians to be patient with the federal and state governments regarding the delayed implementation of the new minimum wage. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Deputy President, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, stated that it would be unfair to assume a deliberate attempt to avoid paying the new minimum wage.
President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage into law on July 29, following a meeting with the NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria leaders. However, only seven states—Kano, Kwara, Ogun, and others—have so far committed to paying the new wage. Adamawa State joined the list on Monday.
Ndubuaku explained that the delay is due to the processes involved in implementing the N70,000 wage. He emphasized that consequential adjustments, including calculations from level one to level 16, require time and collaboration with Labour unions.
“We have no reason to suspect a deliberate delay,” Ndubuaku said. “Signing the wage is just a small component. There’s a committee to carry out the necessary adjustments, and we expect completion before the end of August.”
Labour expresses optimism that the process will be concluded soon, and urges Nigerians to be patient. The NLC emphasizes that it will continue to work with governments to ensure a smooth implementation of the new minimum wage.
