The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has appealed to organised labour to exercise consideration and patriotism in their demands during the ongoing negotiations for a new national minimum wage.
This appeal was made in a statement issued by Olajide Oshundun, Director of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, on Wednesday.
Onyejeocha emphasised that the Federal Government has consistently worked towards ensuring a fair and realistic wage for Nigerian workers. She urged labour groups to acknowledge that the nation’s economy is still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic challenges.
“We appeal to organised labour and other relevant stakeholders to be considerate and patriotic in their demands, recognising that our economy is still recovering from the devastating effects of the pandemic and other global economic shocks,” said Onyejeocha. “We are committed to putting the people first and ensuring that our economic policies benefit all Nigerians, not just a select few.”
The minister highlighted the government’s dedication to the well-being of citizens and urged all parties to show patriotism and understanding during this critical period, as President Bola Tinubu works diligently to revitalise the economy. She noted that the economic challenges faced by Nigerians are complex and multifaceted, calling for a collective effort to overcome them.
Onyejeocha described the meeting with organised labour as a significant step in securing a fair and realistic wage for workers. “As a government, we recognise the importance of ensuring that our citizens receive a decent standard of living, and we are committed to making this a reality,” she stated.
Following intense negotiations, labour leaders took a recess to consult with other stakeholders, pledging to return for further discussions. Onyejeocha welcomed this development, expressing optimism that continued engagement would yield positive outcomes.
The minister announced that, in light of current economic conditions, the government had increased its proposed minimum wage from N57,000 to N60,000, demonstrating its willingness to address labour’s concerns and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.
“We understand that the current economic landscape is challenging, and we are doing everything in our power to mitigate its effects on our citizens,” Onyejeocha added.
On Tuesday, the Federal Government raised its initial minimum wage proposal by N3,000 to N60,000. However, organised labour remained firm on their demand for N494,000, reducing their earlier request by N3,000 from N497,000. Labour has proposed a May 31, 2024, deadline for announcing the new minimum wage, with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) reiterating its position that negotiations should conclude by Friday.
