The Nigerian government and labour unions have agreed on a new minimum wage exceeding N60,000 after a crucial meeting. This follows a nationwide strike demanding higher wages.
The federal government and organized labour have agreed to establish a new minimum wage exceeding N60,000.
This agreement was reached following a meeting on Monday between leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and federal government representatives. The meeting was convened after labour unions initiated an indefinite nationwide strike to demand a living wage.
George Akume, the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), announced the resolutions, stating, “President Bola Tinubu is committed to a national minimum wage that is higher than N60,000.” Akume emphasized that the discussions were realistic and patriotic, promising tangible results soon.
The SGF further mentioned that the tripartite committee would meet daily for the next week to finalize an agreeable national minimum wage. He added that, in respect for the president’s commitment, labour unions would promptly convene meetings with their members to consider this development.
Additionally, Akume assured that no worker would face victimization due to the industrial action.
The strike, which began on Monday, resulted in the suspension of activities in public schools, government offices, airports, and other public institutions.
The labour unions declared the indefinite strike due to the federal government’s initial refusal to meet their proposed minimum wage demands. The NLC and TUC had repeatedly called for new minimum wages of N615,500 and N494,000, respectively, citing inflation and severe economic hardship as justifications.
