The Nigeria Union of Teachers has intensified pressure on state governments that have yet to enforce the newly approved ₦70,000 minimum wage, warning that it may soon direct coordinated action across affected states.
The union said patience among teachers is wearing thin as delays continue despite repeated appeals and official communication.
Speaking during the 19th Quadrennial State Conference of Delegates in Ilorin, the President of the union, Audu Amba, made it clear that the issue of minimum wage implementation has become a top priority for the union.
Represented by the National Social Secretary, Titilope Adebanjo, Amba explained that while some states have complied, others continue to delay, thereby creating inequality in teachers’ welfare across the country.
According to him, the union has already reached out to defaulting states through formal channels, urging them to act without further delay.
However, he noted that if those appeals fail to produce results, the union would not hesitate to mobilise its members.
He stressed that the NUT is prepared to adopt lawful and organised strategies to ensure that every teacher benefits from the approved minimum wage, regardless of location.
Amba added that the union’s position is not confrontational but driven by the need to protect the dignity and welfare of teachers.
He emphasised that teachers play a crucial role in national development and should not be subjected to prolonged uncertainty over their earnings.
For many educators, the delay in implementing the minimum wage has already affected morale and productivity, making urgent action necessary.
While expressing concern over compliance at the state level, the NUT leadership commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s efforts to improve teachers’ conditions.
The union acknowledged that the approval of the new minimum wage was a significant step forward and described it as a positive signal of the federal government’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
The union further appealed to the President to sustain policies that would strengthen the economic stability of teachers.
It expressed hope that ongoing reforms would translate into long-term benefits for educators, including better remuneration, improved working conditions, and greater professional recognition.
The leadership also voiced confidence in the administration’s broader agenda, noting that continued dialogue between government and labour unions remains essential.
Beyond salary issues, the NUT used the opportunity to advocate for structural reforms within the education sector.
One of its key demands is the extension of teachers’ retirement age from 60 to 65 years.
The union urged the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to take the lead in implementing this policy at the state level.
According to the union, such a move would help retain experienced professionals and reduce the loss of skilled manpower in schools.
Security also featured prominently in the union’s address. Amba acknowledged that insecurity has disrupted academic activities in some parts of the country, leading to temporary school closures.
However, he expressed optimism that the situation would improve in the coming months, citing assurances from the federal government that decisive steps are being taken to safeguard schools and their surrounding communities.
He noted that a safe learning environment is essential for effective teaching and learning, adding that teachers cannot perform optimally under constant threat.
The union therefore called for sustained collaboration between security agencies, government authorities, and local communities to ensure that schools remain secure.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in the state, Yusuf Agboola, praised the Kwara State Government for its consistent payment of teachers’ salaries.
He also highlighted the clearance of long-standing arrears owed by the State Universal Basic Education Board, describing it as a major relief for affected workers.
Agboola further pointed to the implementation of Teachers’ Specific Allowances as another positive development, noting that such incentives contribute to improved welfare and motivation among teachers.
He encouraged other states to emulate Kwara’s example by prioritising the needs of educators and addressing outstanding issues promptly.
Overall, the conference served as a platform for the NUT to reaffirm its commitment to advocating for teachers nationwide.
The union reiterated that while dialogue remains its preferred approach, it will not hesitate to escalate actions if necessary.
With the issue of minimum wage still unresolved in several states, the coming months may prove decisive in determining how far the union is willing to go to secure compliance.
Ireport247news
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