The Federal Government has proposed a new minimum wage of N60,000. However, organised labour has rejected this offer and is instead asking for a minimum wage of N494,000.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) initially proposed a minimum wage of N615,000 but later reduced it to N497,000 and N494,000, respectively. The Federal Government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) proposed a minimum wage of N48,000, which was later increased to N54,000 and N60,000.
The meeting between the government and labour ended in a deadlock, with no agreement on the minimum wage. The labour unions have given the government an ultimatum to conclude the negotiations by May 31.
The current minimum wage of N30,000 was implemented in 2019 and expired in April 2024. The labour unions argue that the current minimum wage can no longer cater to the well-being of an average Nigerian worker and that not all governors are paying the current wage award.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, described the government’s proposal as ‘unsubstantial’ and stated that the economy of the workers is totally destroyed. He emphasised the need for a harmonised economy that benefits both the bourgeoisie and the workers, highlighting the underlying issues that the labour unions are grappling with.
The rejection of the government’s proposal and the insistence on a higher minimum wage may lead to an indefinite strike by the labour unions after May 31. This could have significant implications for the economy and the livelihoods of the workers.
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