Nigerian workers have started receiving the new minimum wage of N70,000, as confirmed by Benson Upah, spokesperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress, and Tommy Etim, Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress.
The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission Chairman, Ekpo Nta, confirmed that the government has approved the upward review of the consolidated public service salary structure in line with the Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, 2024. This move marks a significant increase from the previous minimum wage of N30,000, representing a 100% pay rise.
Over 1.2 million workers under the federal government’s payment have begun receiving the new minimum wage. Some federal workers have confirmed receiving an additional N40,000 consequential adjustment. A civil servant working in the office of the Head of Civil Service, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed receiving the new minimum wage payment for September 2024.
Labour leaders are urging other entities to emulate the Federal Government’s example in paying the new minimum wage. Upah stated, “We ask other entities to emulate this example”. Etim added, “FG’s committee on consequential adjustments already released a template, so no one has any moral ground to delay the payment of the minimum wage”.
