Following a recent walkout by the Organized Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), during the last meeting with the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage, the Federal Government has revised its proposed minimum wage from N48,000 to N54,000.
A highly reliable source who is currently attending the ongoing meeting in Abuja disclosed this to Punch Newspaper.
Despite the new proposal, the offer remains significantly lower than the N615,000 demanded by the Organized Labour.
NLC President Joe Ajaero explained that their demand is based on the current economic conditions and the needs of an average Nigerian family.
He criticized the government and the Organized Private Sector (OPS) for the stalled negotiations, attributing the breakdown to their unreasonable actions.
Punch reported that Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), expressed disappointment over the unions’ walkout, calling it unfortunate since formal negotiations had not yet begun.
He urged union leaders to reconsider and return to the negotiation table for the benefit of their members and national development.
Ajaero defended the unions’ decision to abandon the talks, stating that the government’s initial proposal of N48,000 was insulting and inadequate.
He noted the disparity between the proposed minimum wage and the private sector’s lowest wage of N78,000, indicating a lack of commitment from employers and the government to negotiate a fair wage.
He also accused the government of not providing data to support its offer, undermining the negotiation’s credibility.
Ajaero reiterated the unions’ dedication to advocating for Nigerian workers’ rights and called on the government to approach negotiations with transparency and fairness, reflecting the true value of workers’ contributions and the current socioeconomic realities.
