Labour insists on N615, 000 minimum wage, rejects FG’s N48,000 offer
Organised Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, has rejected the Federal Government’s offer of N48,000 as the new minimum wage, insisting on its demand of N615,000.
The labour unions have threatened to go on strike if their demands are not met, citing the high cost of living and the need for a living wage that can sustain an average Nigerian family of six.
The Federal Government had proposed an initial offer of N54,000 as a monthly living wage, but the organised private sector proposed an offer of N48,000, which was rejected by the labour unions.
The labour unions had earlier demanded a minimum wage of N615,000, which they claimed was arrived at after analyzing the current economic situation and the needs of an average Nigerian family of six.
The National President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, stated that the amount was arrived at after considering the costs of housing, accommodation, electricity, utility, food, health, clothing, education, sanitation, and transportation.
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“He argued that the Federal Government’s offer of N48,000 was an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerian workers and did not reflect the current economic realities.”
The NLC’s National Treasurer, Hakeem Ambali, also stated that the labour unions would not accept the Federal Government’s offer and would only return to the negotiation table if the government shifts its ground and considers paying workers a worthy wage.
He argued that the government must consider food inflation, electricity tariff hikes, and the removal of fuel subsidy before coming up with any amount as the minimum wage.
Ambali also stated that the labour unions would not compromise on their demand for a living wage and would consider going on strike if their demands are not met.
“He argued that the strike option was on the table and was legal, and that no sane judge or court could give an order to stop workers from exercising their constitutional rights.”
The Deputy National President of the Trade Union Congress, Dr. Tommy Etim, also stated that labour was ready for the next meeting with the government but would not compromise on its position that Nigerian workers deserve a decent living wage.
“He argued that the government must take definite action on the minimum wage before the May 31 deadline and that labour expects the government to take cognizance of the cost of accommodation, food, and other important things”.
The labour unions have threatened to go on strike if their demands are not met, which could lead to a nationwide industrial action and disrupt economic activities.
The Federal Government has been urged to take the labour unions’ demands seriously and negotiate in good faith to avoid a strike.
