Labour Excited As Tinubu Signs ₦70,000 Minimum Wage Bill

The organized labour on Monday expressed delight and called for prompt implementation after President Bola Tinubu signed into law the new National Minimum Wage Act, raising the minimum wage to ₦70,000.

In an interview with Punch, the Head of Public Affairs of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Benson Upah, said, “We are happy and urge the government to sustain the same momentum in the calculation of consequential adjustments, payment of the new minimum wage and arrears.”

Echoing this sentiment, the Deputy Vice President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Tommy Etim, stated, “It is a welcome development, and we expect the immediate implementation by the federal, state government and the organised private sector.”

The signing ceremony took place at 2 PM in the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.

The event was attended by key legislative leaders, including Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, who represented the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

The enactment of the new minimum wage law follows nearly two weeks of negotiations between President Tinubu and organized labour unions.

The discussions culminated in an agreement on ₦70,000 as the new minimum wage, aimed at alleviating the financial struggles of Nigerian workers amidst rising living costs.

Labour leaders are now urging both federal and state governments, as well as the private sector, to ensure the immediate implementation of the new wage.