The Osun State branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that the joint labour unions will not back down on their demands for the implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage across all states.

Mr. Christopher Arapasopo, the Osun NLC chairman, stressed that non-compliant states will face “forced shutdowns” until the minimum wage is implemented, signifying the firm resolve of the labour unions to achieve their objective.

In an interview with NAN, Mr. Arapasopo revealed that the labour unions accepted the new minimum wage with the intention of reducing the possible rise in petrol pump prices. He emphasized that the unions agreed to accept the lower minimum wage as a sacrifice in order to avoid further inflationary pressures on Nigerians.

Mr. Arapasopo stated that during their NEC meeting, the labour unions unanimously agreed to enforce the new minimum wage in all the states. He underlined that if any state failed to comply, the unions would take decisive action to shut it down, indicating a zero-tolerance approach towards non-compliance.

Arapasopo further disclosed that when the minimum wage is implemented, the consequential adjustments and benefits associated with each level will actually push the wage higher.