The ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and Organized Labour regarding a new minimum wage are expected to conclude today, as leaders from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) await President Bola Tinubu’s response to their N250,000 proposal.
Last Friday, the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage wrapped up its meetings, where the Federal Government and the Organized Private Sector agreed on N62,000, while Labour pushed for N250,000.
The Nigeria Governors Forum, however, stated that any minimum wage exceeding N60,000 would be unsustainable.
Labour leaders, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, confirmed they were awaiting the President’s decision on the tripartite committee’s proposals. NLC President Joe Ajaero and other top union officials have traveled to Geneva, Switzerland, to attend a labour conference organized by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
“We have submitted the report to the President and are awaiting his decision. That is the crucial step we are all anticipating,” a senior NLC official told our correspondents. “Some of us are en route to Geneva for the ILO conference, while others have already arrived. Before we can convene a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, we must return from Geneva. We are also cautious to avoid any perception that Labour is inciting citizens against the government, especially considering the military’s role.”
When questioned about the Monday deadline, another NLC insider stated, “We have sent our report to the committee and are awaiting the President’s action. We will hold a NEC meeting regarding the ultimatum once we return from Geneva. For now, we are patiently waiting for Mr. President’s decision.”
Organized Labour, consisting of the NLC and TUC, conducted a two-day nationwide strike last Monday and Tuesday to demand a new minimum wage and the reversal of the electricity tariff hike. The strike was suspended for five days after a commitment from the Federal Government to resume negotiations and finalize a new minimum wage within a week.
This suspension followed a six-hour meeting between Labour leaders and the National Assembly in Abuja. To expedite the discussions, President Tinubu instructed Finance Minister Wale Edun to present the cost implications of a new minimum wage within two days. On Thursday, the finance minister, along with the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, presented these cost implications to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
As the deadline looms, all eyes are on President Tinubu to make a decisive move that could shape the future of Nigeria’s labour landscape.
