By Elias Nnamdi
The ongoing battle over the implementation of Nigeria’s new minimum wage has brought three states (Katsina, Cross River, and Zamfara) into the spotlight. These states face potential strikes by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) beginning Monday, December 2, after failing to meet the December 1 deadline set by organized labor.
The Federal Government introduced the new minimum wage of N70,000 in 2024, aiming to improve workers’ living conditions amid economic challenges. However, the rollout has been inconsistent across the country.
While 33 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, have started implementing the wage, Katsina, Cross River, and Zamfara have yet to comply, prompting widespread unrest among workers.
Katsina: Delays Despite Committee Formation
In Katsina, a 15-member committee was inaugurated earlier this year to propose strategies for implementing the new minimum wage. However, no concrete action has followed.
The committee’s deadline has passed without progress, and local labor leaders have expressed frustration with the state government’s inaction. According to Hussain Hamisu, the Katsina NLC chairman, the delay has left workers disillusioned:
“If by Monday, there are no positive indications from the state government, we shall declare an indefinite strike,” Hamisu stated during a meeting.
Cross River and Zamfara: Labor Disputes and Security Challenges
Cross River State has been embroiled in a contentious standoff with labor unions. Governor Bassey Otu’s proposal of a N40,000 minimum wage was firmly rejected by unions, who labeled it inadequate. Following a two-day warning strike, union leaders have vowed to escalate the action if their demands for the full N70,000 wage are not met.
Zamfara’s challenges are compounded by ongoing security crises, including banditry and kidnapping. The state government has yet to issue an official statement on implementing the new wage, further fueling uncertainty. The NLC has made it clear that excuses will no longer be tolerated, even in states grappling with complex crises.
The stakes are high as the December 1 deadline approaches. Organized labor has been adamant about enforcing compliance nationwide, viewing the new minimum wage as critical for addressing widespread economic hardship. In contrast, non-compliant states face the possibility of indefinite strikes, which could paralyze critical services and exacerbate tensions between governments and their workforce.
While some states, such as Imo, have recently joined the ranks of those implementing the new wage, others continue to delay, citing logistical and financial constraints. For the affected workers in Katsina, Cross River, and Zamfara, the strike threat underscores their mounting frustration and the urgent need for action.
As the NLC’s ultimatum nears its expiration, all eyes remain on the governors of these three states to see if they will avert labor unrest by meeting the demands of their workforce.
