The joint labour unions have vowed to enforce the new N70,000 minimum wage in all states, warning that any state that fails to comply will be shut down.

The warning was issued by the Osun Chapter Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Christopher Arapasopo, in an interview in Osogbo.

Arapasopo revealed that the joint labour unions had agreed to accept the N70,000 minimum wage as a sacrifice to prevent a hike in fuel prices.

He explained that during the NEC meeting, all members unanimously agreed to enforce the minimum wage in all states and that any state that failed to pay would face severe consequences.

“The governors were present when this agreement was reached, and they were the ones who initially suggested N70,000 as the minimum wage. We, as labour, had suggested N250,000, but they brought it down to N62,000 before finally settling on N70,000, which we accepted,” Arapasopo said.

According to him, labour unions would not negotiate on this matter.

He said, “For any government or governor that fails to pay, we will shut that state down. It is a must for them to pay. It is a no-go area.”

Arapasopo noted that if the union had insisted on the N250,000 minimum wage, it would have led to an increment in fuel pump prices and inflation.

The Osun NLC chair assured that the N70,000 minimum wage was still a fair deal, as it would be the least salary paid to workers in the lowest cadre. He added that consequential adjustments and benefits attached to the levels would even increase the wage when implemented.

Arapasopo confirmed that the Osun chapter of the union would meet with the state government to discuss some allowances for workers, but reiterated that the minimum wage stands non-negotiable.