The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have taken a decisive stand in ongoing minimum wage negotiations, exiting talks with the government and the Organised Private Sector.
Their departure from the negotiating table stems from their vehement opposition to the Federal Government’s proposed minimum wage of N48,000, which they have deemed as wholly inadequate and insulting to Nigerian workers.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, minced no words in expressing his frustration, stating that the government’s lack of seriousness and absence of necessary data for negotiations are clear indicators of their insincerity in addressing the issue.
Ajaero emphasized that the government has until the end of the month to reconsider its stance, warning that failure to do so will prompt decisive action from the Labour front.
Represented by Deputy President Tommy Okon, the Trade Union Congress echoed the sentiments of the NLC, denouncing the government’s proposal as unacceptable and falling far short of meeting the needs of workers.
In a joint statement, Ajaero and Okon highlighted the stark contrast between the government’s offer and the prevailing standards in the private sector, further underscoring the widening gap between workers’ aspirations and the proposed wage.
Moreover, the lack of substantiated data from the government has only exacerbated tensions, eroding trust and credibility in the negotiation process.
The NLC and TUC have steadfastly proposed a minimum wage of N615,000, citing the pressing economic realities and soaring cost of living in Nigeria as grounds for their demand.
This demand, reached through extensive consultations between the two labour unions, reflects the urgent need to uplift workers’ welfare in line with contemporary economic demands.
Despite high expectations for a new minimum wage announcement on Workers Day, the government’s delay has left workers disappointed. However, assurances from Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, offer some consolation, with the promise that the new minimum wage, whenever agreed upon, will retroactively take effect from May 1, 2024.
As the dialogue continues, Nigerian workers remain resolute in their pursuit of fair and just wages, urging the government to expedite the process to alleviate their financial burdens and improve their livelihoods.
