The Organised Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has again rejected the Federal Government’s new offer of a ₦57,000 minimum wage.
This latest rejection marks the third proposal turned down within a week as negotiation talks resumed on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
Despite the government’s attempts to increase the minimum wage proposal—initially ₦48,000 last week, then ₦54,000, and now ₦57,000—the NLC and TUC have maintained their stance, though they have reduced their demand from ₦615,000 to ₦497,000.
A member of the Tripartite Committee for the negotiation disclosed to Channels Television that the government and the Organised Private Sector had proposed the ₦57,000 monthly minimum wage, which was still deemed insufficient by the labour unions.
The labour unions had previously withdrawn from the negotiations, citing a lack of willingness from the government and private sector to agree on a new minimum wage. With the deadline of May 31 fast approaching, the committee has yet to reach an agreement.
NLC President Joe Ajaero criticized the latest proposal as “unsubstantial” and inadequate to support families, reflecting the dire economic situation faced by workers. He emphasized the disparity between the economic conditions of workers and the bourgeoisie, calling for harmonization to reach a feasible solution. Negotiations are set to continue as both sides seek a resolution before the looming deadline.
