FG Calls for Renewed Talks on Minimum Wage as Labour Negotiations Resume

The Federal Government has extended an invitation to labour leaders and other stakeholders to reconvene at the negotiating table for discussions on the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

The Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, Bukar Goni, dispatched a letter of invitation to labour leaders dated May 16, 2024, scheduling a meeting for Tuesday, May 21.

This development follows the abrupt exit of leaders from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) from a minimum wage negotiation committee meeting on Wednesday, expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s proposed offer.

During the previous meeting, the government suggested a new minimum wage of ₦48,000, while the Organized Private Sector (OPS) proposed ₦54,000. However, the labour leaders maintained their stance on a ₦615,000 minimum wage for workers.

In a statement released after the meeting, the labour leaders expressed disappointment, deeming the government’s proposed ₦48,000 minimum wage as insulting to the sensibilities of Nigerian workers.

However, there are indications, as reported by Punch, that the government may reconsider its proposal during the upcoming meeting. The chairman of the tripartite committee has reportedly indicated the government’s willingness to adjust its ₦48,000 offer.

The letter sent to the labour leaders was titled, ‘Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage: Negotiation,’ indicating the government’s readiness to engage in constructive dialogue to address the minimum wage issue.