The Labour Union, led by the Chairman of the Trade Union Side, Joint Meeting of the National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), Comrade Benjamin Anthony, has put forward a proposal for a minimum wage of $300 (approximately N436,500) for Nigerian workers. This proposition comes ahead of scheduled negotiations on the new national minimum wage.
Comrade Benjamin Anthony made this proposal during the 2023 meetings of the Separate and Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council held in Goshen City, Nasarawa State, on Tuesday. The Union expressed concern over the high cost of living, stating that the current minimum wage of N30,000 has become unsustainable for Nigerians.
Comrade Anthony emphasized that the fall in the value of the naira necessitates an increase in workers’ wages to address the economic challenges faced by the workforce. The Secretary of the Union, Comrade Boma Mohammed, who represented Comrade Anthony, also condemned the recent delays in salary payments by the Federal Government, urging an end to this trend.
“In light of the above, Labour has proposed a Living Wage of $300 (N436,500) for Nigerian Workers. This is due to the fall in the value of our currency; today if you carry N100,000 to the market you will come back with a leather bag of items. We call on the Government to immediately pay the arrears of the N35,000 wage award along with the current and expedited action on the process of getting a new living wage to bring succour to the working class people,” stated Comrade Boma Mohammed.
The proposal reflects the Labour Union’s commitment to addressing economic disparities and advocating for an adjustment in workers’ wages to ensure their financial well-being.
