Organised labour has begun pushing for another national minimum wage review despite widespread complaints that several state governments are yet to fully implement the existing ₦70,000 wage approved in 2024.
President Bola Tinubu signed the ₦70,000 national minimum wage into law on July 29, 2024, increasing the benchmark from ₦30,000.
However, nearly two years later, labour leaders say implementation remains uneven across the country, particularly affecting local government workers, primary school teachers, and primary healthcare workers.
States repeatedly mentioned in labour complaints include Yobe State, Zamfara State, Gombe State, Kaduna State, Imo State, Ebonyi State, Cross River State, Borno State, Sokoto State, Taraba State, Bauchi State, Nasarawa State, Adamawa State, Abia State, Benue State, Niger State, Kogi State, and the Federal Capital Territory Area Councils.
The unions alleged that while some governors publicly announced compliance, thousands of workers still receive old salaries, while consequential adjustments and arrears remain unresolved.
The growing frustration prompted the NLC, ahead of the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration, to direct its state councils in defaulting states to abandon ceremonial May Day events and instead stage street protests.
In a circular signed by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the Congress declared:
“Observe 2026 May Day on the Streets if the National Minimum Wage Act has not been fully implemented in your state.”
The NLC also warned against holding Workers’ Day celebrations inside Government Houses or venues organised alongside defaulting state governments.