Minimum wage

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has accused about 20 state governments of failing to implement the new N70,000 minimum wage for local government workers and primary school teachers. Alhaji Haruna Kankara, NULGE’s National President, listed states like Yobe, Gombe, Zamfara, Kaduna, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Borno, and the FCT among those yet to comply.

Despite President Bola Tinubu signing the Minimum Wage Act into law on July 29, 2024, many states have only implemented the new wage for state-level workers, excluding LG employees and teachers. Kankara said some governors made promises but failed to honour them.

While states such as Lagos, Rivers, Kwara, and Akwa Ibom have begun payment, Kwara NULGE president Seun Oyinlade lamented that high taxation is eroding the benefits. The state gave a three-month tax relief, which expired in December 2024.

In Sokoto, some LG workers reported receiving salary increases, though the previous N30,000 wage was never fully implemented. Reports from the National Union of Teachers also revealed that several states, including Zamfara, Yobe, and Kaduna, still owe teachers the 2019 minimum wage.

In the FCT, local government teachers have embarked on multiple strikes, the latest in March 2025, disrupting school activities. They protested the non-payment of the new wage and accused council chairmen of insensitivity.

Teachers demand immediate implementation of the new wage, payment of arrears, and other allowances, including a 40% peculiar allowance.

Meanwhile, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) blamed state commissioners of finance for hindering direct funding to local councils, further delaying wage implementation.

The situation has raised concerns over fairness, workers’ welfare, and the government’s commitment to labour agreements.