Labour leaders have once again rejected the federal government’s proposal for a new minimum wage of N54,000 for workers, maintaining their demand for N615,000.
The decision was reached during a meeting between the federal government and union representatives in Abuja on Tuesday.
Initially, the government had proposed a minimum wage of N48,000, which was later increased to N54,000. However, the Organised Labour found the new proposal unacceptable as it significantly falls short of their demand.
“Well, during the meeting, the government increased its offer from N48,000 to N54,000. However, labour rejected that offer and the meeting has been adjourned till Wednesday,” a source who was at the meeting said on the condition of anonymity.
The meeting, held behind closed doors at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, has been adjourned to Wednesday, May 22, for further negotiations.
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The Organised Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has set a deadline for the end of May for the government to conclude the negotiations on the new minimum wage.
The unions have also instructed their members in states that have not yet implemented the N30,000 minimum wage to prepare for industrial action.
Labour leaders reiterated their deadline of May 31, 2024, for the implementation of the N615,000 new minimum wage. They are planning a major protest if the federal government fails to meet their demands by thepecified date.
