The Organised Labour in Nigeria has set a deadline for the Federal Government to finalize the implementation of the new national minimum wage by the end of May.

Speaking at the 2024 International Workers Day celebration in Abuja, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Joe Ajaero, emphasised the urgency of concluding negotiations, warning of potential disruptions to industrial peace if the process remains unresolved.

Under the theme “Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate,” this year’s event underscored the importance of addressing workers’ welfare amidst evolving environmental challenges. Ajaero highlighted ongoing negotiations for a new minimum wage, with the Labour demanding ₦615,000 and proposing a two-year lifespan for the new Act, coupled with automatic wage adjustments if inflation surpasses 7.5 percent.

Furthermore, the Labour advocated for universal application of the minimum wage, extending it to employers with up to five workers. Ajaero stressed the need for robust monitoring and compliance mechanisms to hold non-compliant state governments accountable. He emphasized the necessity of a national minimum wage that reflects a living wage, asserting Nigerian workers’ right to economic dignity.