Minimum Wage: Workers, Experts Weigh In On Nigeria’s N70,000 Controversy

The struggle to enforce Nigeria’s minimum wage has reached a critical point. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has set December 1 as a deadline for all states to comply with the N70,000 per month wage for public sector workers, or face a national strike. Despite the law being passed in July, many states remain non-compliant, and workers continue to face severe economic hardship.

The NLC’s demand for strict enforcement of the minimum wage comes amid complaints that the N70,000 is no longer a living wage for many Nigerians. Labour leaders have called out governors who have failed to implement the law, branding them as “insensitive to the plight of workers.”

The Struggle to Enforce Minimum Wage

Since the passage of the N70,000 minimum wage in July, debates have raged across Nigeria, especially among the 36 state governors. The discrepancy between the states’ implementation of the wage is striking: 20 states have agreed to pay above the N70,000 minimum, ranging from N71,000 to N85,000; 12 states have consented to the full amount; while four states have remained silent on the matter.

Despite some positive steps, including Edo and Adamawa states beginning to pay the new wage, many other states are still struggling to comply, citing financial difficulties and the need for “consequential adjustments.” This delay has angered many workers who see the minimum wage as critical to their livelihoods.

Interview: The Voice of the Worker

I spoke with three Nigerians who are directly affected by the delay in payment of the N70,000 minimum wage.

Jide, a civil servant in Lagos, explained his frustration: “It’s disheartening when we hear that the government has made the law but then there’s no action. Prices keep rising, and we’re expected to survive on the same old wages. How can anyone live on less than N85,000, let alone the previous N30,000?”

Similarly, Ngozi, a teacher in Enugu, shared her fears about the future: “I’m worried the government will just keep postponing payment. We’ve been promised a living wage for years, and still, some states are dragging their feet. It feels like the poor will always bear the brunt of Nigeria’s economic challenges.”

Ibrahim Adamu, a health worker in Kaduna, voiced his discontent with the overall governance on X : “The politicians continue to spend on luxuries while workers are suffering. I believe the N70,000 minimum wage isn’t enough, but it’s a start. If they can’t pay even that, then what hope do we have?”

Experts Weigh In: Can States Afford the Minimum Wage?

Dr. Emeka Eze, an economist and lecturer at the University of Lagos, explained the economic pressures states face: “While many states have substantial budgets, they often mismanage funds or waste money on non-essential projects. However, after the removal of fuel subsidies, many states now have additional revenue to meet wage demands. The issue is not that states can’t afford it, but rather a lack of fiscal discipline and corruption.”

Dr. Eze added, “Some states, like Abia, are already demonstrating that it’s possible to pay the wage without crippling the economy. This suggests that others, who claim they cannot, may just be unwilling or unable to reform their finances.”

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Professor Amina Bello, a financial analyst, shared similar thoughts: “It’s essential that governors take this deadline seriously. There’s no valid reason why states should not comply. If they can’t meet the minimum wage now, how will they manage future increases? The state needs to work on alternative ways of boosting revenue through creativity and efficiency, such as tax reforms and reducing waste.”

The Reality of Local Government Implementation

One major concern for many Nigerians is the ability of local governments to meet the minimum wage. The Nigerian Union of Teachers has already expressed doubts about local governments’ ability to implement the N70,000 wage, recalling that many states had not fully implemented the previous N30,000 wage for teachers.

John Ojo, a teacher in Lagos, said, “Some states didn’t even pay us the N30,000 wage properly, so how can we trust them to pay N70,000? It’s a cycle of broken promises. What happens if the state says they don’t have the funds to pay us?”

Such skepticism is widespread among public sector workers, particularly in the education and health sectors, who often face delays in receiving salaries or allowances. However, some governors are showing that it is possible to keep their promises, albeit with challenges.

Looking Ahead: The Pressure on Governors

As the NLC prepares to intensify its campaign, the pressure on state governors is mounting. Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, who recently paid off a significant portion of the state’s inherited debt, remains committed to paying the new wage. His example serves as a model for other governors, who may need to adopt a more disciplined approach to fiscal management.

In a recent statement, Otti remarked, “I understand the challenges, but I believe that paying the N70,000 wage is not just an obligation but a necessity. We have to prioritize our workers and ensure that their needs are met.”

In contrast, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has been criticised for not making substantial progress in implementing the wage, despite receiving higher federal allocations post-fuel subsidy removal. His administration’s inaction has sparked protests from workers, who are growing increasingly disillusioned with promises that seem to lack follow-through.

The Role of the NLC: Will the Strike Happen?

The NLC’s ultimatum is a clear signal to governors: pay the minimum wage or face industrial action. The union has made it clear that it will not back down. “We will not allow any state to bypass the law or delay its implementation,” said Ayuba Wabba, NLC President. “The deadline is December 1, and we will mobilize our members for a nationwide strike if necessary.”

For many workers, this is the last straw. As Ngozi said, “We have been patient for too long. If the NLC calls for a strike, I will join. It’s time to make sure the government listens to us.”

A Call for Action

As Nigeria grapples with the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, workers, experts, and unions continue to demand action from the government.

With a national strike looming, the pressure is on the governors to act swiftly. The NLC’s December 1 deadline is more than just a call for fair wages—it’s a call for accountability, transparency, and better governance.