Ajaero: Winning ₦70,000 Minimum Wage Is Only Part Of The Larger Fight

Ajaero: Winning ₦70,000 Minimum Wage Is Only Part Of The Larger Fight....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on its state councils to brace for a significant challenge as public sector workers eagerly await the federal government’s implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage. The NLC stressed that while securing this wage increase is a crucial step, the real victory lies in ensuring its full implementation to benefit all workers…….CONTINUE READING 

These remarks were made by NLC President Joe Ajaero during a two-day workshop in Lagos for the NLC’s southern state councils. The workshop, organized by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), focused on “Strategies for Effective Implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.”

Ajaero highlighted the critical role 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 paycheck; 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, uplift the nation, and secure the dignity of work. This is a divine responsibility, one that we are bound by conscience and duty to carry out.”

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

Reflecting on the struggles leading to the new minimum wage, Ajaero recalled, “We all witnessed the battle that resulted in the National Minimum Wage Act. We faced threats, drama, propaganda, and relentless attempts to undermine our cause. We were vilified and intimidated, but we stood firm. We sacrificed not just for ourselves but for every worker in this country.”

He cautioned that securing the new minimum wage is just the beginning. “We must ensure it is fully implemented so its benefits reach every corner of Nigeria, from the largest cities to the smallest villages,” he asserted. Ajaero warned that the journey ahead would be difficult, with anticipated opposition, insults, and attempts at blackmail.

“If we faced fierce opposition during negotiations, the road ahead will be just as challenging. Be prepared for insults, threats, and attempts to blackmail you. Remember why we are here: the trust and hopes of our members rest in our hands. Their meals, homes, and children’s education depend on our ability to advocate for them,” he added.

The NLC President emphasized that the workshop aims to equip leaders for the tasks ahead. “Our goal is not just to celebrate the passage of the law—it is to ensure that every worker feels its impact in their daily lives. This 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 warned that any state council or official found collaborating with employers to deny workers their full entitlements under the new law would face appropriate sanctions.

Ajaero expressed gratitude to FES and the ILO for their ongoing support to the NLC, urging participants to remain engaged and dedicated to 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, regardless of the challenges,” he concluded.