Nigerian workers have confirmed the disbursement of the new minimum wage from the TUC, as reported by key labor union leaders. Benson Upah, spokesperson for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Tommy Etim, Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), made separate statements on Thursday acknowledging the payments.

Both leaders commended the government’s prompt action and urged other organizations to implement the new wage. “We encourage other entities to follow this positive example,” Upah stated. Etim also mentioned that the Federal Government’s committee on consequential adjustments had provided a clear template, leaving no reason for delays in adoption.

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A civil servant, who requested anonymity, confirmed receiving the new wage for September 2024. Some workers also noted receiving an additional N40,000, indicating further wage adjustments.

The new N70,000 minimum wage was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in July 2024 and was subsequently enacted by the Senate. This significant increase, doubling the previous N30,000 minimum wage set during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, marks a major development for Nigerian workers.

However, despite the wage hike, workers continue to grapple with the effects of rising inflation. Nigeria’s headline inflation soared to 32.15% in August 2024, while food inflation surged to 37.52%, challenging the financial relief provided by the wage increase.