The Nigerian labor union has rejected the proposed minimum wage of N100,000, insisting on a living wage that reflects the country’s economic realities. This decision comes after the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage submitted its report to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The labor union had earlier rejected a proposed minimum wage of N62,000, scaling down their demand from N494,000 to N250,000.
The labor union’s president, Joe Ajaero, expressed hope that President Tinubu would make a fair decision, considering the wide gap between the proposed wages. Ajaero criticized state governors for rejecting the N62,000 proposal, highlighting the disparity between their wages and their states’ contributions to the national purse.
The labor union’s demand for N250,000 is a significant concession, reflecting the real cost of living in Nigeria. If the federal government and National Assembly do not act on workers’ demands promptly, the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) may resume their strike.
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has expressed concerns over the feasibility of implementing the N62,000 minimum wage, citing insufficient allocation from the federation account. However, the NLC criticized the governors’ stance as insensitive and accused them of acting in bad faith.
As the nation awaits President Tinubu’s decision, organized labor remains steadfast in its demands. Civil servants across Nigeria have urged governors to reduce their own salaries and allowances to accommodate the proposed minimum wage. They warned of legal action should the state governments refuse to implement the new wage once approved by the federal government.
The Nigerian labor union’s rejection of the proposed minimum wage highlights the need for a living wage that reflects the country’s economic realities. The federal government and state governors must prioritize workers’ welfare and ensure fair compensation for their services.
