Negotiations for a new minimum wage in Nigeria have hit a roadblock, with organised labour withdrawing from the engagement with the federal government following the offer of N48,000 as the proposed minimum wage. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s offer, stating that it does not reflect the economic reality and hardships faced by workers in the country.
President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, and the Deputy President of the TUC, Etim Okon, emphasized that the proposed N48,000 falls significantly short of the N615,000 which organised labour had proposed as a living minimum wage for Nigerian workers. They criticized the government and the organised private sector for not engaging in reasonable negotiation and providing substantiated data to support their offer.
In response, NECA urged the representatives of organised labour to return to the negotiating table, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and negotiation in reaching a fair and sustainable resolution. The Director-General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, expressed concern over the potential delay caused by labour’s withdrawal and called for a reconsideration of their position in the interest of national development.
Despite the setback in negotiations, the NLC and TUC reiterated their commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of Nigerian workers. They urged the government to reconsider its position and come to the negotiation table with clear hands that reflect the true value of workers’ contributions to the nation’s development.
The situation highlights the challenges in reaching consensus on critical issues such as minimum wage and underscores the need for constructive dialogue and cooperation between stakeholders to address the concerns of workers and promote economic growth and development.