The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has pledged to strengthen enforcement of the newly approved N70,000 national minimum wage, particularly focusing on employers in the informal private sector where workers are still receiving wages as low as N15,000 monthly.
Speaking in an interview, NLC Assistant Secretary-General, Onyeka Christopher, noted that while the public sector has made moderate progress in implementing the wage, violations in the private sector remain a serious concern.
“In the months ahead, our attention will be on private employers to ensure no eligible worker is left behind. Everyone must receive at least the minimum wage,” he said.
Christopher pointed out that the informal private sector poses the biggest challenge in terms of compliance. “Many workers are still being paid N15,000 or N20,000 per month, which is far below the legally approved wage. These workers are the most vulnerable, and the law is designed to protect them,” he added.
The revised minimum wage was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024, increasing the rate from N30,000 to N70,000. The change came after lengthy discussions between the federal government and labour unions, following rising inflation, increased living costs, and the end of fuel subsidies.
The law also reduced the review period for wage adjustments from five years to three, ensuring more frequent updates based on economic realities. It mandates that both public and private sector employers comply or face penalties.
Despite this progress, some labour organisations argue that the N70,000 minimum wage is still insufficient, given the high cost of living. There are also calls for an annual wage review to keep up with economic changes.
The NLC is especially concerned about workers in the informal sector who often have no employment contracts or job security, making enforcement more difficult.
“In the public sector, we’ve seen better compliance due to increased engagement and oversight,” Christopher said. “However, not all states are fully implementing the new wage. Some have done so partially, and a few haven’t implemented it at all.”
The Trade Union Congress (TUC), which has been at the forefront of the minimum wage campaign, led several protests in 2024 that contributed to the July agreement. However, the Chairman of the TUC in Lagos, Gbenga Ekundayo, could not be reached for comments.
Economic analyst, Illias Aliyu, advised the NLC to expand its focus beyond wage increases, stressing the need for transparency and policy reforms. He pointed out inconsistent implementation across the country.
“Many states are still not complying with the law. Even in Abuja, area council workers have gone on strike due to non-payment,” he said. Aliyu also mentioned delays in promotions at the federal level, which he believes are affecting workers’ morale and the effectiveness of the new wage.
He praised some private companies for raising salaries on their own but stressed the need for accountability. “The NLC should name companies that have complied and those that haven’t. Public accountability will encourage better compliance,” he said.
Aliyu warned that unless inflation is addressed, wage increases will have limited impact. “Even a one-million-naira salary is meaningless if the economy remains unstable,” he said, calling for reforms in the energy sector to improve living standards and control prices.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, did not respond to requests for comment. NECA represents private sector employers and plays a role in shaping labour and economic policies.
Labour Union Calls for Urgent Expansion of CNG Infrastructure
In a related development, the NLC has urged the Federal Government to speed up the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure across the country. The union said the slow pace of implementation is making transportation increasingly unaffordable for Nigerian workers.
This appeal was made in a communiqué issued after a Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held last Friday at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The statement was signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja.
“Transportation costs have become unbearable for workers and citizens. While we appreciate the government’s provision of CNG buses, we urge quicker deployment of infrastructure to ensure real relief,” the communiqué said.
The call comes after a series of policy initiatives introduced by the Tinubu-led administration. Following the removal of petrol subsidies in May 2023, the government launched the Presidential CNG Initiative to offer a cost-effective alternative to petrol.
In June 2024, a new pricing system was introduced to make CNG more affordable, and by August, the government rolled out the CNG Conversion Incentive Programme. The programme includes free vehicle conversions for registered union members and subsidized rates for transport services.
As of June 2025, over 100,000 vehicles had been converted to run on CNG, but the NLC insists that the scale of adoption remains too low to significantly benefit the average Nigerian.
NLC Highlights Economic Hardship, Food Crisis, and Threats to Labour Rights
The NLC also raised alarm over growing economic difficulties in Nigeria. The union said that many families are struggling under the weight of inflation, soaring food prices, and stagnant wages.
The communiqué further expressed concern about national security, citing nearly 700,000 deaths related to violent incidents over the past year. It said widespread insecurity in the Middle Belt, Northeast, and Northwest has forced farmers off their land, worsening food shortages.
“When farmers can’t safely access their farms, hunger becomes a serious risk,” the union warned.
On constitutional issues, the NLC rejected proposals to move labour matters from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List. The group argued that such a move would reduce national protection for workers and make labour rights vulnerable to political manipulation.
The union called on workers to begin nationwide protests against any lawmakers supporting the constitutional amendment.
The NLC also accused federal authorities of withholding funds meant for elected local government councils in Osun State. It alleged that the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Minister of Finance, and the Central Bank of Nigeria were involved in actions undermining local governance. The union demanded the immediate release of the withheld funds and warned of firm action if the situation is not resolved.
Additionally, the communiqué condemned reports of employers forcing workers to join specific unions, describing it as a violation of freedom of association. It directed affiliated unions to resist such practices through lawful means.
The NLC reaffirmed its dedication to defending workers’ rights and promised continued engagement with all levels of government to promote economic justice and national progress.
