7th April , 2025
News desk
20 state governors are currently under intense scrutiny and public criticism for their failure to implement the newly proposed N70,000 minimum wage for workers, weeks after it was recommended by the federal government.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other labor unions have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the delay, accusing the governors of neglecting workers’ welfare and failing to prioritize economic justice for civil servants.
According to labor leaders, the N70,000 wage adjustment is a necessary response to the rising cost of living, inflation, and the economic hardship experienced by millions of Nigerian workers. Despite widespread support for the new wage structure, several states have yet to issue any concrete plans for its adoption or rollout.
NLC President Joe Ajaero stated during a press briefing that the failure of some state governments to act on the wage proposal is “an act of insensitivity and irresponsibility,” warning that industrial actions may be inevitable if the delays continue.
Reports indicate that while a few states, including Lagos and Edo, have made commendable strides by initiating implementation or announcing phased plans, a large number of others have remained silent or have cited budgetary constraints.
Civil society organizations and concerned citizens have also joined in the criticism, calling on the governors to prioritize the welfare of workers over political and administrative excuses. They argue that without a livable wage, economic productivity and social stability will continue to decline.
The federal government, meanwhile, has urged the governors to collaborate with labor leaders and expedite the process, emphasizing that the new minimum wage is essential for economic resilience and national growth.
As tensions mount, labor unions have vowed to monitor developments closely and take decisive action if the governors fail to comply within a reasonable timeframe.
