The Nigerian Federal Government proposes a new minimum wage of N54,000 amid ongoing negotiations with labor unions, who demand N615,000. The meeting adjourned to May 22 as the NLC and TUC pushed for a resolution by May 31, citing increased living costs and economic challenges.
The Federal Government has proposed a new minimum wage of N54,000, up from its previous offer of N48,000, during a reconvened meeting of the Tripartite Committee on the New Minimum Wage. This proposal comes after Organised Labour, consisting of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), pulled out of negotiations last week. Despite the increase, the proposal falls significantly short of the N615,000 demanded by the unions.
A reliable source at the meeting, held behind closed doors at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, revealed that the labour unions rejected the government's offer. The meeting has been adjourned to Wednesday, May 22, to continue negotiations. The NLC and TUC have given the Federal Government until the end of May to finalize the new minimum wage.
Labour unions have also instructed their members in states that owe the current N30,000 minimum wage to prepare for industrial action. The delay in presenting a nationally acceptable minimum wage before May 1 Labour Day has intensified the conflict between the government and the labour unions.
NLC President Joe Ajaero justified the N615,000 demand by highlighting the increased cost of living and the financial needs of an average Nigerian family of six, exacerbated by the recent removal of fuel subsidies. As the cost of living rises, calls for a substantial increase in the minimum wage continue to dominate headlines in Nigeria.
