In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved an increase in Nigeria’s national minimum wage to ₦70,000 per month, following negotiations with major labor unions. This decision was part of efforts to address the country’s rising cost of living and economic challenges.
Despite this increase, several issues have emerged regarding the implementation of the new minimum wage across various states and sectors. In Nasarawa State, academic and non-academic staff of higher institutions, under the Joint Unions of Nasarawa State Tertiary Institutions (JUNSTI), have planned an indefinite strike due to the state’s failure to implement the ₦30,000 minimum wage consequential adjustment.
Similarly, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), teachers in area councils have expressed concerns over the non-payment of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, leading to significant financial hardships.
These developments highlight ongoing challenges in the uniform implementation of the new minimum wage across Nigeria. Labor unions have set a deadline of March for defaulters to comply with the new wage structure, emphasizing the need for consistent application to alleviate the economic burdens faced by workers nationwide.
The federal government has assured workers of its commitment to implementing the new minimum wage and has allocated funds in the 2025 budget to support this initiative. However, the effectiveness of these measures largely depends on the cooperation of state governments and other stakeholders in ensuring timely and consistent payment to all eligible workers.
As the March deadline approaches, it remains crucial for all parties involved to work collaboratively to ensure the successful implementation of the new minimum wage, thereby improving the living standards of Nigerian workers and promoting economic stability.
