Civil servants across Nigeria have taken a firm stance regarding the new N70,000 national minimum wage, issuing a powerful warning to any state governments that might think of disregarding or delaying its implementation.
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) delivered this warning during their 5th Quadrennial Delegates Conference, held in Lagos on Monday. The message was not just a casual remark but a clear and resolute declaration of intent that carries significant weight.
The ASCSN President, Shehu Muhammed, did not mince words as he addressed the issue. He emphasized that states that fail to adopt the new minimum wage will face severe consequences, including the potential for a complete shutdown of state activities.
The association, representing a significant portion of the country’s workforce, is prepared to take drastic action to ensure that all states comply with the new wage standards. Muhammed’s tone was one of unyielding resolve, making it evident that the civil servants are serious about their demands and are ready to go to great lengths to protect their rights and ensure fair compensation for their labor.
Muhammed specifically pointed out that there is absolutely no room for states to evade or delay the implementation of the new wage. The ASCSN is poised to take swift and decisive action against any state that does not comply. According to him, the most pressing issue on the agenda is the nationwide implementation of the new minimum wage.
This priority isn’t just about enforcing a new salary structure; it is about ensuring that every worker in the country earns a living wage that reflects the current economic realities of Nigeria. This is a critical issue that touches on the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, and the ASCSN is determined to see it through.
To facilitate the implementation, the ASCSN is advocating for the immediate formation of a committee that will oversee the adjustments required to put the new minimum wage into effect. This committee would be tasked with developing strategies and policies to ensure that the new wage is not just a theoretical figure,
But a practical reality for workers across the nation. The committee’s responsibilities would include working out the specifics of how the new wage will be adjusted for different states and ensuring that the implementation is uniform and equitable across the board.
Muhammed made it clear that Organised Labour, which includes the ASCSN and other allied groups, is fully committed to this cause. The full implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage is not just a goal; it is the primary focus of their efforts moving forward. The civil servants are prepared to leverage their collective power to ensure that every state adheres to this new standard.
The message is unequivocal: any state government that does not comply with the new wage requirements will face serious repercussions, up to and including the paralysis of state operations.
