NLC Moves to Enforce Minimum Wage Compliance Before March Deadline
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Abuja, Jan. 29, 2025 (Naija247news) – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vowed to implement stringent measures to ensure full compliance with the national minimum wage and consequential adjustments before the end of March.
Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and National Internal Auditor of the NLC, made this known at SSANU’s National Leadership Retreat on Wednesday in Abuja.
He decried the persistent manipulation of wage payments by some state governments and institutions, warning that the era of delay tactics was over.
“The national minimum wage has been signed into law, and payments should have commenced nationwide. But some institutions and states have been using deceptive figures to shortchange workers,” Ibrahim stated.
He assured that the NLC was fully engaged on the issue and would take decisive action against any employer or state government failing to implement the wage increase by the first quarter deadline.
“Any state or employer of labour that refuses to implement the national minimum wage and the adjustment in workers’ salaries accordingly will face the consequences. The labour laws are clear, and we are ready to enforce them,” he warned.
Addressing leadership challenges within labour unions, Ibrahim criticized internal sabotage that weakens strike actions, noting that some union members engage in blackmail and underhand dealings to derail industrial actions.
“Unfortunately, some of our own members work against our collective struggle. But this retreat is aimed at educating our members on unity and discipline within the union,” he said.
While acknowledging that government indifference and worker fatigue had weakened the effectiveness of strikes, he emphasized the need for alternative negotiation strategies and improved funding for tertiary institutions.
He reaffirmed SSANU’s commitment to continuous training for university staff, ensuring that institutions remain hubs for learning and innovation.
The retreat was attended by former NLC President Ayuba Wabba, former SSANU President Chief Promise Adeusi, and the Director-General of the Institute of Mentoring and Coaching, Mr. Rotimi Mathew.
