NLC Issues December 1 Deadline for New Minimum Wage Implementation, Accuses Fuel Marketers of Price Inflation

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued an ultimatum to state governments, setting December 1, 2024, as the deadline to implement the recently approved minimum wage of N70,000. The NLC warned that states failing to comply by this date would face an indefinite strike by its state councils.

The NLC’s communique, released Sunday following its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, criticized the prolonged economic hardship and accused fuel marketers of inflating petrol prices beyond actual market values, thereby worsening the financial burden on Nigerians. The labor body alleged that Nigerian citizens are being exploited through artificially high petrol prices, which it claimed reflect a “gang-up” by industry leaders to reap undue profits at the expense of the public.

As of early November, more than 20 states have announced plans to adopt the new minimum wage, with some pledging to exceed the federal mandate. However, implementation across the country has been uneven, prompting the NLC to establish a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee. This committee will oversee efforts to inform and mobilize workers and citizens on the minimum wage issue, encouraging collective action in non-compliant states.

“The NEC has directed all state councils where the new minimum wage is not yet implemented to initiate an indefinite strike from December 1, 2024,” the communique stated. “Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have.”

The NLC expressed concerns over policies that it described as “anti-people” and demanded that public refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna resume operations promptly. It argued that this would contribute to fair petrol pricing, mitigating cost-padding practices that currently harm Nigerian consumers.

As the December deadline nears, the NLC’s stance signals a heightened commitment to ensuring fair economic policies and improving conditions for Nigerian workers amid escalating living costs.