The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged Organised Labour to end the ongoing strike and return to the negotiation table for the country’s benefit.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Idris was joined by the Minister of State for Labour, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga. Idris emphasized the need for the Labour Unions to continue negotiations with the Federal and State Governments through the Tripartite Committee, which aims to establish a realistic new minimum wage for Nigerians.
“This is a sincere appeal to the Labour Unions to keep negotiating with the government,” Idris stated. “We want a peaceful resolution and are committed to making it happen. Yesterday, the National Assembly leaders met with the Unions, and today we extend another invitation for continued discussions.”
Idris reiterated the government’s stance that Labour’s current proposal of N494,000, equating to an annual wage bill of 9.5 trillion Naira for the Federal Government alone, is unrealistic and could severely harm the economy, potentially leading to massive job losses, especially in the private sector.
The Minister stressed the need for a balanced and realistic approach through collective bargaining to determine a new minimum wage. He noted that President Tinubu’s commitment to improving Nigerians’ living conditions extends beyond wage increases, with several policies designed to put more money in citizens’ pockets.
Idris highlighted initiatives such as the National Consumer Credit Scheme and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as evidence of President Tinubu’s dedication to alleviating financial burdens on Nigerians.
“We want Labour Unions to understand that the relief Nigerians deserve won’t come solely from higher wages,” Idris said. “Efforts to reduce the cost of living and ensure more money remains with Nigerians are also crucial. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to a reasonable and sustainable resolution on the minimum wage. We urge the Labour Unions to reciprocate in the nation’s interest.”
