As negotiations between Organised Labour and the Federal Government intensify, labour unions have made it clear they will not accept anything less than a N100,000 minimum wage. This stance was confirmed by sources within both the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who emphasized that neither the government nor the organised private sector should expect labour to settle for less than a six-digit wage.
Labour representatives criticized the government’s incremental offer increases, moving from an initial proposal of N48,000 to N54,000, as insufficient and dismissive of their demands. They pointed out that President Bola Tinubu had promised a living wage, which N54,000 does not meet.
In preparation for the ongoing negotiations, Organised Labour will hold a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Monday, gearing up for a crucial session with the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage scheduled for Wednesday. This follows the rejection of the Federal Government’s revised offer of N54,000 during the latest round of talks.
The dispute reached a peak last week when Organised Labour staged a walkout in response to the government’s initial N48,000 proposal. The private sector had also proposed N54,000, while labour maintained its demand for a N615,000 living wage, later lowering it to N497,000.
A source familiar with the discussions revealed, “During the meeting, the government increased its offer from N48,000 to N54,000. However, labour rejected that offer, and the meeting has been adjourned till Wednesday.” The source added that the government’s representatives, including those from Bauchi and Niger states, lacked the authority to negotiate on behalf of state governors, highlighting a perceived lack of seriousness in the talks.
Labour leaders expressed disappointment over the absence of state governors and the minimal progress with the private sector, which has yet to adjust its offer. They reiterated their firm stance and reminded the government of the May 31, 2024, deadline for implementing the new minimum wage.
As the NEC prepares for Monday’s meeting, the labour unions remain steadfast in their demand for a N100,000 minimum wage, ready to continue their fight for what they deem a fair and living wage for Nigerian workers.
