Minimum Wage Deadline Nears: 26 States Yet to Act as Labour Threatens Strike

As the October deadline for the implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage approaches, 26 states are yet to comply with the law, sparking growing tensions with organized labour. Nearly two months after President Bola Tinubu signed the new wage into law, only two states—Edo and Adamawa—have begun paying the new minimum wage to their workers, while other states remain at various stages of negotiation or inaction.

Edo State was the first to implement the N70,000 wage, even before the law was formally passed, beginning payments in June. Adamawa State followed in August, ensuring that its workers are now receiving the updated amount. However, the majority of states are either paying below the new wage or have yet to announce any definitive plans to implement it.

Among the states that have pledged to pay above the minimum wage are Lagos, Rivers, and Ogun. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos announced an N85,000 minimum wage, though the decision was made without prior consultation with labour unions. Negotiations between the Lagos State government and union leaders are set to begin on October 21. Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara also announced that his state would pay N85,000 starting in November, following a closed-door agreement with labour representatives. Similarly, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has committed to paying N73,000, and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has approved a N77,000 wage, which is expected to be implemented this month.

Despite these developments, many states are yet to make progress. In Oyo, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has not yet finalized a plan for the new wage, with officials stating that discussions with unions are ongoing. Similarly, in Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom, negotiations are still in progress, and no clear date has been set for the commencement of the new wage payments. In these states, financial constraints and the need for stakeholder consultations have been cited as reasons for the delay.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed frustration with the slow pace of implementation across many states and has set a firm deadline of October for compliance. Labour leaders have warned that if the states fail to meet the deadline, industrial action could follow. They have stressed that the new minimum wage is not merely a suggestion but a law, and there will be consequences for states that fail to comply.

In addition to the base wage of N70,000, labour leaders have pointed out that arrears, dating back to April 18 when the law was initially passed, must be paid to workers across the country once negotiations between the federal government and state governors are concluded. This arrears payment will be crucial to ensuring that workers receive the full benefit of the wage increase, which was implemented in response to the rising cost of living.

While some states have made progress, the lack of action in the majority of states has caused concern among workers and unions alike. As the October deadline looms, the possibility of widespread strikes and industrial unrest grows, putting pressure on state governments to act swiftly. With the deadline fast approaching, all eyes are on the state governors to see whether they will meet their obligations to their workers or face the threat of mass protests and strikes.