NLC Urges Other States, FG to Adopt Imo’s N104,000 Minimum Wage Model

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government and other state governments to follow the example set by Imo State in implementing a ₦104,000 minimum wage for workers.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this appeal during an interview at the sidelines of the 7th National Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW), held in Abuja. The conference, themed “Building Trade Unions’ Future through Strategic Organising and Investments,” is tagged “Abuja 2025.”

Ajaero praised the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, for what he described as a laudable move, saying it sets a positive benchmark for worker welfare across the country.

“So many people were asking me, is this real? I said, this is a report from Imo State so far,” Ajaero said. “I have reached out to him. Although he told me about it before now. It is real. That is the highest, and to a very large extent, it is commendable.”

The labour leader noted that during recent wage negotiations with the Federal Government, one of the reasons cited for a conservative approach to wage increases was the need to ensure affordability for state governments. However, Ajaero said Imo’s action shows that more states may actually have the capacity to pay better wages.

“If the states have the capacity to pay ₦100,000 and above—and considering that Imo State is not the highest in terms of revenue—it then means others are encouraged to do more,” he explained.

“That is the whole essence of the minimum wage. Minimum wage is the least; states can do better. I think this is an initiative that other governors are supposed to follow.”

He further urged state governments not to wait for the usual three-year cycle to review wages, especially given Nigeria’s current economic challenges.

“You must not wait for the next three years for a wage to be reviewed, especially given the current economic situation, so that people can at least survive,” Ajaero said.

Concerns Over NSITF

Ajaero also raised alarm over developments concerning the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), accusing the government of attempting to unilaterally amend the NSITF Act and divert workers’ contributions.

“It therefore becomes imperative that we also alert you to a dangerous development,” he said. “The state, having diverted 40 per cent of workers’ contributions in NSITF, is now seeking to unilaterally amend the NSITF Act. This is to allow the government to control a fund that entirely belongs to workers.

“We had demanded that the funds be accounted for and returned so that Nigerian workers will enjoy the benefits of the Agency.”

NUCECFWW Raises Labour Concerns in Construction Sector

Also speaking at the conference, NUCECFWW President, Stephen Okoro, criticised the widespread unfair labour practices in the construction sector, particularly among multinational and indigenous companies.

He acknowledged the efforts and sacrifices made by engineers and workers in building national infrastructure and called for better treatment of those in the sector.

“We bear the pains, and our job is to ensure that construction work in this country is in good condition,” Okoro said.

He emphasized the union’s commitment to decent work standards and eliminating exploitative practices, such as casualisation.

“We believe in the slogan ‘injury to one is injury to all.’ Our quest for a decent work agenda in all job sites remains relevant in our negotiations to preserve the lives of members and occupational health hazards,” he added.

“We look forward to abolishing casualisation in the industry in the near future.”

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NLC Urges States, FG to Adopt Imo’s ₦104,000 Minimum Wage Benchmark

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NLC President Joe Ajaero praises Imo State’s ₦104,000 minimum wage and urges other states and the Federal Government to follow suit. He also raises concerns over NSITF fund diversion and calls for fair labour practices in construction.