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FG increases minimum wage to N54,000 for workers
The Federal Government of Nigeria has increased winimum wage to N54,000 from N48,000 for workers.
This decision follows an angry walkout staged by the Organised Labour comprising of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress during the last meeting with the Tripartite Committee when the minimum Wage was set at N48,000.
A reliable source within the meeting, which is currently ongoing, disclosed to newsmen in Abuja that, “The Federal Government has now proposed the sum of N54,000.”
Though it is not clear whether Labour would accept this offer, as the unions have earlier proposed N615,000 minimum wage for the nation’s workers.
READ ALSO: Labour insists on N615, 000 minimum wage, rejects FG’s N48,000 offer
The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, insisted on N615,000 minimum wage, arguing that the amount was arrived at after an analysis of the current economic situation and the needs of an average Nigerian family of six.
He blamed the government and the OPS for the breakdown in negotiation, saying, “Despite earnest efforts to reach an equitable agreement, the less than reasonable action of the government and the Organised Private Sector has led to a breakdown in negotiations.”
However, Ajaero justified their decision to abandon the negotiation, saying, “The government’s proposal of a paltry N48,000 as the minimum wage does not only insult the sensibilities of Nigerian workers but also falls significantly short of meeting our needs and aspirations.
“Though it is worth noting that even the least paid workers in the private sector receive N78,000 as clearly stated by the OPS, highlighting the stark disparity between the proposed minimum wage and prevailing standards further demonstrating the unwillingness of employers and government to faithfully negotiate a fair national minimum wage for workers in Nigeria.’’
He accused the government of failing to provide data to support its offer, noting that this undermined the credibility of the negotiation.
“Furthermore, the government’s failure to provide any substantiated data to support their offer exacerbates the situation. This lack of transparency and good faith undermines the credibility of the negotiation process and erodes trust between the parties involved.
The NLC president noted that the unions remained committed to fighting for the rights and interests of Nigerian workers.
He also called on the government to reconsider its position and come to the negotiation table with “clear hands that reflect the true value of the contributions made by Nigerian workers to the nation’s development and the objective socioeconomic realities that confront not just Nigerian workers but Nigerians today as a result of the policies of the Federal Government.”
Recall that President Tinubu, through Vice President Kashim Shettima, on January 30, 2024, inaugurated the 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage to come up with a new minimum wage ahead of the expiration of the current N30,000 wage on April 18.
The panel, whose membership includes federal and state governments, the private sector, and organised labour, will recommend a new national minimum wage for the country.
During the panel’s inauguration, Shettima urged the members to “speedily” reach a resolution and submit their reports early.
“This timely submission is crucial to ensure the emergence of a new minimum wage,” Shettima said.
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