The Federal Government has proposed a new minimum wage of N54,000, according to sources from the ongoing meeting in Abuja. This proposal follows a recent walkout by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) during a meeting with the Tripartite Committee over an initial proposed minimum wage of N48,000.
The Organised Labour had rejected the earlier proposal, with a source now confirming the government’s increased offer. “The Federal Government has now proposed the sum of N54,000,” the source said.
Despite the increase, it remains uncertain whether Labour will accept the new proposal, which is significantly lower than the N615,000 minimum wage demanded by the unions. The NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, had previously argued for the N615,000 figure, stating it was based on an analysis of the current economic situation and the needs of an average Nigerian family of six.
Ajaero criticized the government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) for the breakdown in negotiations. “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,” he said.
He further justified Labour’s decision to abandon the negotiation, expressing disappointment with the government’s earlier proposal. “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,” Ajaero stated.
Highlighting the disparity, Ajaero pointed out that even the least paid workers in the private sector receive N78,000, as stated by the OPS. This discrepancy, he said, demonstrates the unwillingness of employers and the government to negotiate a fair national minimum wage.
Ajaero also criticized the government for its lack of transparency. “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,” he added.
The Organised Labour’s demand for a significantly higher minimum wage underscores the ongoing challenges in reaching an agreement that meets the needs of Nigerian workers in the face of economic hardships.
