The organised labou has provided an update on the payment of the recently approved N70,000 minimum wage, revealing that only one state has so far begun implementation.
This was disclosed by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in an interview with Daily Trust, noting that Adamawa is the only state currently paying the new wage.
He further explained that two other states, Edo and Lagos, had already commenced payment of N70,000 as a minimum wage even before the agreement with the Federal Government was reached.
“Only Adamawa State has started paying the new minimum wage. We commend the governor for his initiative. However, during the negotiation process, the Edo State governor also paid N70,000 with a promise to increase the amount if the wage was raised further. Similarly, Lagos State has been paying N70,000. Aside from these states, I am not aware of any others that have begun implementation, although committees have been set up to determine the consequential adjustments needed for payment to commence,” the spokesman said.
He also raised concerns over the reluctance of some states to begin payment despite the significant financial resources available to them.
“I must tell you, governments are very rich now. What they declare and share from the federation account has risen from N700 billion to N1.3 trillion. This doesn’t even include the funds they keep aside or manage unofficially. Despite this increase, there has been no corresponding improvement in the quality of life for Nigerians. Instead, what the people are experiencing is pain, poverty, and trauma,” he stated.
He stressed that the frustration felt across the nation is mirrored within the NLC, emphasizing that the economic hardship affects the majority of Nigerians, with only a few insulated from the financial strain.
Touching on the recent claims of betrayal by NLC President regarding President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the spokesman noted that the union feels deceived by the government’s decision to further raise fuel prices.
“The recent increase represents a breach of trust. The government promised stability but instead introduced additional shocks,” he explained, reflecting on how previous fuel price hikes had already impacted sectors such as education and transportation.
He also criticized the disparity between the new minimum wage and the rising fuel prices, pointing out that wage adjustments have not been in line with the escalating cost of living.
“There is no alignment between the N70,000 minimum wage and the hike in fuel prices,” he said.
Upah further expressed doubt about the government’s promises concerning the introduction of CNG buses and other subsidies, accusing the administration of failing to deliver on commitments made during earlier negotiations.
He compared the situation unfavorably with past administrations, which he said took more comprehensive measures to manage economic challenges.
He dismissed claims that the current economic hardship is necessary for future improvement, stating that such views do not reflect the harsh realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
He also lamented the continuous decline in living standards under the current administration, asserting that its approach has only worsened the economic challenges faced by the country.
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