Director-General of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Ajayi Kadri, has affirmed that the organized private sector agrees with the federal government’s proposal of a new minimum wage set at N60,000.
Kadri clarified that the ongoing negotiations between the government, private sector, and labor unions revolve around determining a minimum wage rather than a living wage.
Kadri acknowledged the challenging economic environment faced by both labor and private businesses, making it difficult to meet the wage demands put forth by the labor union.
He emphasized that the proposed N419,000 living wage requested by labor is unattainable due to significant constraints faced by the government and private sector, such as economic challenges, inflation, and infrastructure limitations.
The director-general noted that this is not the ideal time to negotiate a new minimum wage but rather a time for collaboration between all stakeholders to foster economic growth.
He expressed the need for unity and joint efforts to build a stronger economy before considering an increase in wages.
In response to the government’s proposed minimum wage, the National Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) announced an indefinite strike, citing the expiration of their request for concluded negotiations before the end of May. The strike action aims to address various issues, including the new minimum wage proposal.
Despite the formation of a committee comprising labor leaders, government officials, and the organized private sector to negotiate a new minimum wage, a consensus has not been reached, leading to the current impasse.
