Organized labor in Nigeria has set a two-week ultimatum for state governors to initiate negotiations regarding the N35,000 wage award for their respective states. This ultimatum aligns with the terms outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Federal Government, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). State chapters of NLC and TUC have called upon governors to expedite the necessary procedures to implement this award, aimed at alleviating the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies.

The unions have emphasized that the deadline for wage award payment will expire in two weeks, urging governors to initiate the implementation process promptly. This development follows an agreement between the national leadership of NLC and TUC with the Federal Government to provide the N35,000 wage for federal workers. States were encouraged to extend this benefit to their employees.

As part of these efforts to mitigate the economic effects of fuel subsidy removal, President Bola Tinubu has launched a N1 trillion cash transfer program. Under this initiative, 15 million households will receive N25,000 monthly for three months, amounting to approximately N1.13 trillion. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, noted that around 61 million Nigerians would benefit from this cash transfer.

Various state chapters of NLC and TUC are actively engaging their respective state governments on the implementation of the wage award, with many having sent letters requesting action. The ultimatum provided by labor unions applies to both federal and state governments and is set to expire by the end of the month.

In a broader context, President Tinubu’s administration is taking steps to alleviate poverty and support vulnerable households, as demonstrated by the cash transfer program and other initiatives. The World Bank and other international partners are also involved in efforts to reduce poverty and provide social protection to the most vulnerable segments of the population.

The importance of cash transfers in reducing poverty has been acknowledged by experts and organizations like the World Bank, as it offers crucial assistance to those facing economic shocks and rising living costs. President Tinubu’s administration is committed to tackling poverty and stabilizing the economy while working on various dimensions of poverty in the country. This comprehensive approach aims to improve the living conditions of millions of Nigerians.