Labour Leaders: Governors Delaying N70k Wage Violate Rights

Labour leaders in Nigeria have condemned states that are delaying the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, calling them violators of human rights amidst the nation’s current economic challenges.

In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, former labour leader Ayuba Wabba emphasised that the N70,000 wage became law the moment it was signed by the President. “From the moment the President signed the bill, it became effective immediately and applies to all categories of workers,” Wabba said.

He pointed out that while several states had already begun paying the new wage, including Borno, where the governor announced the wage increase for all workers, including teachers, other states had yet to give any indication of when they would implement it. “Many states have already implemented the new wage. In Borno State, the Governor announced and implemented it, including for teachers. However, there are other states where there is still no indication of when they will implement the new salary,” he noted.

Wabba further expressed his concern over the deteriorating economic conditions in the country, which have placed immense strain on workers. “Everyone is aware of the dire state of the Nigerian economy. Workers have been pushed to their limits, and the situation has reached an extreme,” he lamented.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has also vowed to take a firm stance against governors who they accuse of being unsympathetic to the plight of workers. The NLC has promised to intensify its efforts to ensure the full implementation of the minimum wage across the country. Kebbi Deputy Gov Refutes Claims of Bandit-Controlled Villages