Winning ₦70,000 New Minimum Wage, Only Half The Battle – Ajaero

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on its state councils to gear up for a significant challenge ahead, as public sector workers wait with anticipation for the federal government to implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage.

The NLC emphasized that securing the wage increase is only part of the battle, and the true victory lies in making sure it is implemented in its entirety to benefit all workers.

These sentiments were expressed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, during a two-day workshop in Lagos for NLC’s southern state councils.

The workshop organized by Fredrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), was themed “Strategies for Effective Implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.”

Ajaero stressed the importance of fair wages, stating, “The wage of a single worker often sustains many more—feeding families, educating children, and supporting communities. It is not merely a pay-check; it is the lifeblood of society. When we fight for better wages, we are not asking for charity. We are fulfilling a sacred duty—to build a vibrant economy, to uplift the nation, and to secure the dignity of work. This is a divine responsibility, one that we are bound by conscience and duty to carry out.

“On the 3rd of this month, we were in Kano where we kicked off this workshop beginning with the Northern zone and now, we are here for the Southern zone. And, as we gather here today, just as I told them in Kano, know that the eyes of every worker are upon us. They depend on our courage, our resolve, and our unity to carry their voices to the negotiation tables that await us.”

Reflecting on the struggle that led to the new minimum wage, Ajaero said, “We all followed the battle that led to the new National Minimum Wage act. We saw the threats, the drama, the propaganda, and the unrelenting attempts to weaken our cause. We were called names, vilified, and faced with all manners of intimidation. But we did not bow. We stood strong. We sacrificed, not just for ourselves, but for every worker in this country.

“Yet, winning the fight for a new minimum wage is not enough. We must now ensure that it is implemented in full, so that its benefits reach every corner of Nigeria, from the largest cities to the smallest villages.”

He warned that the path forward would be challenging, with likely opposition, insults, and blackmail.

“If we faced such fierce opposition at the negotiation stage, then know that the road ahead will not be any easier. Be prepared for insults, threats, and attempts to blackmail you.

“But remember why we are here: the trust and hopes of our members rest in our hands. Their meals, their homes, their children’s education depend on our ability to fight for them,” Ajaero added.

The NLC President noted that the workshop aims to prepare leaders for the task ahead: “Our goal is not just to celebrate the passage of the law—it is to make sure every worker feels its impact in their daily lives. And that responsibility rests with each of you here. You are the vessels through which this victory will be delivered to our members. You must be strong, focused, and unwavering.”

He also warned that any state council or official found colluding with employers, whether private or public, to deny workers their full entitlements under the new law would be sanctioned appropriately.

Ajaero expressed his appreciation to FES and the ILO for their continued support to the NLC, encouraging participants to stay engaged and focused on delivering the benefits of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act to their members.

“Together, we will overcome. Together, we will deliver the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act to our members, no matter the challenges,” he concluded.