In the heart of Abuja, representatives from the federal government and labor unions recently reconvened to discuss a critical issue: a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers. The tripartite committee, comprising government officials and organized labor, gathered at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, seeking common ground.
Festus Osifo, president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), revealed that the federal government had not yet presented a fresh minimum wage offer during the talks. Instead, they cited ongoing work on a template mandated by the president. While principles were discussed, no concrete proposal emerged beyond what had been previously tabled.
The federal government’s team included Wale Edun (Minister of Finance), Atiku Bagudu (Minister of Budget and National Planning), and Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (Minister of Labour). Representatives from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Head of Service of the Federation also participated.
On the labor side, Joe Ajaero (President of the Nigeria Labour Congress) and Festus Osifo were present. Abdulateef Shittu, Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, completed the assembly.
This meeting followed an indefinite strike launched by the NLC and TUC on Monday. Their demand for a new minimum wage had not been met, despite proposing N615,500 and N494,000 as realistic figures. The government deemed these amounts unfeasible.
In a gesture of goodwill, organized labor temporarily eased the industrial action for one week. Negotiations with the federal government would continue, with the hope that tomorrow’s session would yield a tangible breakthrough.
As Nigeria awaits progress, the fate of its workers hangs in the balance. The principles discussed behind closed doors must soon translate into a fair and sustainable wage policy—one that reflects the dignity and aspirations of the nation’s labor force.
