Organised Labour in four states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has expressed optimism that their respective governments will begin payment of the new minimum wage by the end of January 2025. This development comes after the Oyo State Government announced it had commenced payment of an N80,000 minimum wage to workers.
In Imo, Sokoto, Akwa Ibom states, and the FCT, workers are expected to receive a salary increase starting this month, offering much-needed relief amid rising inflation. However, workers in Ebonyi and Cross River states remain uncertain about when their governments will implement the new wage.
The push for a nationwide wage increase follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a N70,000 minimum wage for workers in July 2024, with a pledge to review the wage every three years. Although several states, including Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Ogun, and Kogi, began payments in 2024, others have set 2025 as the implementation year.
Despite a failed nationwide strike planned for December 2024, which aimed to pressure non-compliant states, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, assured workers in December that many states and the FCT would implement the new wage by January 2025. His reassurance followed a courtesy visit by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria.
In Imo State, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Uche Nwigwe, confirmed workers were eagerly awaiting payment, particularly as the cost of living continues to rise. “Let us collect it first, and then we will know the reaction of Imo workers,” Nwigwe said.
Sokoto State’s NLC Secretary, Hamisu Hussaini, expressed similar confidence, revealing that discussions with the state government had concluded successfully. “The new minimum wage will commence this month,” he said, noting that a workforce verification exercise was already underway to facilitate smooth implementation.
In Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno announced that 45,985 verified public servants would receive an N80,000 minimum wage starting from November 1, 2024. The state’s Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Dominic Abang, said workers were anticipating the payment to alleviate economic pressures.
Meanwhile, in the FCT, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) remains hopeful. FCT chapter Chairman Kabir Abdullahi noted that area councils had yet to confirm receipt of funds but expected salaries and arrears to be disbursed shortly.
The Oyo State Government became a beacon of progress, depositing N12 billion into workers’ accounts on Friday to fulfill its promise of an N80,000 minimum wage. According to the state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the new wage ensures substantial increments for workers, with those on Grade Levels 1 to 6 receiving at least N50,000 more and Level 17 officers gaining over N180,000.
The National Treasurer of the NLC, Hakeem Ambali, urged other state governments to honor their commitment by implementing the new wage and clearing arrears. “Labour is hopeful these governors will act in the interest of industrial harmony,” he said.
Similarly, TUC Deputy President Tommy Etim-Okon emphasized that salary payment is a right, not a privilege. “Every commencement of payment must have arrears,” he stressed, urging state governments to address the economic hardships workers face.
As January progresses, workers across the nation await the fulfillment of promises that could bring financial relief and strengthen industrial harmony.
