The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned state governments and employers of labour to implement the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000, along with the consequential salary adjustments, by the end of the first quarter of 2025. Failure to comply will attract serious consequences.
The President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, who is also the National Internal Auditor of the NLC, issued the warning during the union’s National Leadership Retreat in Abuja on Wednesday.
He stressed that state governments and institutions delaying or manipulating wage payments would face severe repercussions.
Speaking on the alleged failure of some employers to implement the new minimum wage, Comrade Ibrahim said:
“The problem with the government and employers of labour is insincerity. The national minimum wage has been signed into law, and payments should have commenced nationwide. However, in many universities and states, the wage is treated as just an award without full implementation.”
He acknowledged the NLC’s active engagement on the issue and assured that stringent measures would be taken to enforce compliance:
“By the end of this first quarter, any state or employer of labour that refuses to implement the national minimum wage and consequential adjustments will face the consequences. The labour laws are there, and we have all it takes to enforce workers’ rights,” he warned.
Addressing reports that members of the National Assembly allegedly demanded ₦8 million from each university Vice Chancellor during budget defense sessions, Comrade Ibrahim stated that if proven true, the matter would be taken up by the labour movement.
He said: “If this allegation turns out to be true, it is unfortunate. No public university in Nigeria has enough resources even to pay its electricity bills. Many have operated without electricity for months. Where will they get ₦8 million to give lawmakers?”
He emphasized that the union would confront the National Assembly if necessary: “The National Assembly is not too big for us to fight. We will fight them and chase out those not working for the good of the people. We will only support progressives.”
Ibrahim lamented internal sabotage by some union members, which undermines strike actions and weakens their effectiveness:
“Unfortunately, some of our members work against our collective struggle through blackmail and underhand dealings. This is not unique to SSANU; it happens across sectors. This retreat aims to educate members on the importance of unity and discipline.”
He acknowledged that industrial actions have lost effectiveness due to government indifference and worker fatigue but affirmed that alternative negotiation strategies were being explored.
Ibrahim stressed the importance of continuous training for university staff and better funding for tertiary institutions:
“Universities must remain centers of learning and innovation. Continuous capacity building for staff is essential. As SSANU leaders, we must equip ourselves with global best practices and share this knowledge at all levels.”
The retreat featured key speakers, including former NLC President Ayuba Wabba, former SSANU President Chief Promise Adeusi, and the Director-General of the Institute of Mentoring and Coaching, Dr. Rotimi Mathew.
