Winning a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 is only half the battle, according to NLC President Ajaero
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged state councils to prepare for a huge challenge, as public sector workers await the federal government’s implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage.
The NLC stressed that securing the pay hike is only one half of the battle; the actual success is ensuring that it is fully implemented to benefit all employees.
Naija News reports that these sentiments were expressed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, during a two-day workshop in Lagos for NLC’s southern state councils.
The workshop organized by Fredrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), was themed “Strategies for Effective Implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.”
Ajaero stressed the importance of fair wages, stating, “The wage of a single worker often sustains many more—feeding families, educating children, and supporting communities. It is not merely a pay-check; it is the lifeblood of society. When we fight for better wages, we are not asking for charity. We are fulfilling a sacred duty—to build a vibrant economy, to uplift the nation, and to secure the dignity of work. This is a divine responsibility, one that we are bound by conscience and duty to carry out.
“On the 3rd of this month, we were in Kano where we kicked off this workshop beginning with the Northern zone and now, we are here for the Southern zone. And, as we gather here today, just as I told them in Kano, know that the eyes of every worker are upon us. They depend on our courage, our resolve, and our unity to carry their voices to the negotiation tables that await us.”
Ajaero reflected on the struggle that led to the new minimum wage, saying, “We all watched the battle that resulted in the new National Minimum Wage Act.” We witnessed threats, drama, lies, and relentless attempts to undermine our cause. We were called names, vilified, and subjected to all sort of intimidation. But we didn’t bow. We remained strong. We made sacrifices not only for ourselves, but for all workers in this country.
“However, winning the struggle for a new minimum wage is insufficient. We must now ensure that it is fully implemented, so that its advantages reach every part of Nigeria, from the largest metropolis to the smallest villages.
He warned that the journey ahead would be difficult, with likely opposition, insults, and blackmail.
If we experienced such tremendous opposition at the negotiation stage, realize that the road ahead would not be much easier. Prepare to face insults, threats, and blackmail efforts.
“Remember why we’re here: the trust and hopes of our members are in our hands. Their meals, houses, and children’s education all rely on our abilities to fight for them,” Ajaero continued.
The NLC President stated that the workshop intends to prepare leaders for the task ahead: “Our goal is not just to celebrate the passage of the law, but also to ensure that every worker feels its influence in their everyday lives.
And that burden falls on each of you here. You are the means by which this triumph will be conveyed to our members. “You must be strong, focused, and unwavering.”
He also cautioned that any state council or official found to be conspiring with companies, private or public, to deny workers their full entitlements under the new law will face severe sanctions.
Ajaero thanked FES and the ILO for their ongoing support of the NLC, encouraging participants to remain involved and focused on providing the benefits of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act to their members.
“Together, we will overcome. “Regardless of the challenges, we will deliver the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act to our members,” he concluded.
