Labour Rejects N54,000 Minimum Wage Proposal, Negotiations to Continue Wednesday

Negotiations over a new minimum wage have been postponed until Wednesday after organized labour rejected the Federal Government’s revised offer of N54,000. A reliable source at the meeting disclosed the adjournment to our correspondent.

Initially, the Federal Government proposed a minimum wage of N48,000, prompting labour representatives to walk out. In response, the government increased its offer to N54,000 during Tuesday’s meeting, but this was still deemed insufficient by labour, who remain firm in their demand for a N615,000 living wage.

A source at the meeting, wishing to remain anonymous, stated, “The government increased its offer from N48,000 to N54,000. However, labour rejected that offer, and the meeting has been adjourned till Wednesday.”

Expressing frustration with the negotiation process, the source added, “No seriousness at all. Even state governors did not show up. Those who represented them, like Bauchi and Niger states, did not have the mandates to speak on their behalf. We hope the private sector also increases their initial offer.”

National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, emphasized the urgency of their demand, citing the dire economic conditions facing Nigerian families. He blamed both the government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) for the breakdown in negotiations.

In a joint statement with the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the unions stressed the need for a fair and equitable agreement that reflects the contributions of Nigerian workers and addresses the current economic crisis. The statement was signed by Joe Ajaero, NLC president, and Festus Osifo, TUC president.

The Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage, inaugurated by Vice President Kashim Shettima on January 30, 2024, is tasked with recommending a new national minimum wage before the current N30,000 wage expires on April 18. The committee includes representatives from the federal and state governments, the private sector, and organized labour.

During the inauguration, Vice President Shettima urged the committee to “speedily” arrive at a resolution and submit their report early to ensure the timely implementation of a new minimum wage.

As part of its assignment, the committee held zonal public hearings on March 7 in various locations, including Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, and Abuja. During these hearings, NLC and TUC members proposed various figures for a living wage, highlighting the economic hardships and high costs of living faced by Nigerians.

In the South-West states, NLC members demanded a minimum wage of N794,000, while the TUC suggested N447,000. These proposals underscore the significant disparity between the labour unions’ demands and the government’s current offer, reflecting the ongoing struggle to reach a consensus that adequately addresses workers’ needs amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.