Workers of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service joined a protest at their headquarters gate today, demanding the implementation of the federally approved minimum wage of ₦70,000. The protest reflects broader discontent among Nigerian civil servants regarding wage delays or discrepancies in compliance with the new policy.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the increased minimum wage into law in mid-2024 to address inflationary pressures eroding the purchasing power of Nigerian workers. This raised the monthly minimum from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, representing a 133% increment.
However, reports indicate that compliance varies across states. As of late October 2024, only about 20 states, including Ondo, had announced or commenced payments, with many adjusting amounts slightly above the federal minimum, such as ₦73,000 in Ondo and ₦85,000 in Lagos and Rivers States.
Despite this, workers in Ondo argue that delays or administrative challenges continue to obstruct their access to this wage, fuelling today’s demonstration.
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