The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have strongly criticized the 36 state governors for refusing to pay a minimum wage of N60,000. The governors claimed that they couldn’t afford the proposed wage, which the federal government had suggested.
Labour leaders described the governors’ stance as “wicked” and “in bad faith,” given the significant increase in fuel prices, dollar value, and other essential costs. They argued that the governors’ claim of inability to pay was unfounded, as FAAC allocations had risen from N700 billion to N1.2 trillion, making state governments wealthy at the expense of workers.
The labour movement emphasized that a national minimum wage is essential to protect vulnerable workers and their families, citing the drastic reduction in the value of the current minimum wage due to inflation and exchange rate fluctuations. They urged the governors to reconsider their position, warning of dire consequences for the economy and workers if a reasonable minimum wage is not implemented.
This development highlights the ongoing negotiations between the government, labour, and the private sector on a new national minimum wage. The fate of millions of workers hangs in the balance as the parties strive to reach a consensus on a wage that reflects the country’s economic realities.
The labour movement has recommended a minimum wage of N250,000, while the federal government has offered N62,000. The private sector has also demanded concessions as labour awaits President Tinubu’s offer. The negotiations have been ongoing amidst rising costs of living, fuel subsidy removal, and economic uncertainty.
The rejection of the N60,000 minimum wage by the governors has sparked concerns about the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare. Labour leaders have vowed to continue negotiating for a fair wage, warning that a miserable minimum wage would have grave consequences for the economy and workers.
