Abuja, Nigeria – June 13, 2024: The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has denied reaching any agreement with the federal government or the organized private sector on a new national minimum wage. This statement comes in response to recent comments made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 25th Democracy Day Anniversary Dinner, where he emphasized that Nigeria will only pay what it can afford, hinting at possible changes to the final figure.
Speaking at the State House Conference Centre, President Tinubu addressed the leadership of the National Assembly, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. He stated, “Senate President, Deputy Senate President, you’ll get a notice from me if I’ve changed my mind on minimum wage. We’re going to do what Nigeria can afford, what you can afford, what I can afford. They ask you to cut your coat according to your size.”
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris also underscored the need for a realistic and sustainable wage system that balances workers’ needs with the country’s economic realities.
During the last sitting of the Tripartite Committee on minimum wage in Abuja, government and private sector representatives proposed N62,000, while the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) reduced their initial demand from N594,000 to N250,000.
In a statement, the NLC expressed surprise at the President’s remarks, insisting that no agreement had been reached. “The NLC would have expected that the advisers of the President would have told him that we neither reached any agreement with the federal government and the employers on the base figure for a National Minimum Wage nor on its other components,” the statement read.
The NLC reiterated its demand for N250,000, describing it as a significant concession by Nigerian workers during the tripartite negotiation process. “Our demand still remains N250,000 only, and we have not been given any compelling reasons to change this position.”
The NLC called on President Tinubu to harmonize the proposals in favor of workers, suggesting it would be a fitting Democracy Day gift. “We had expected Mr. President to harmonize the two figures submitted to him by the Tripartite Committee in favor of workers and masses.”
The NLC urged the President to reject advice aimed at undermining the welfare of Nigerian workers. “Mr. President should not allow these individuals and groups to sabotage his promise of lifting Nigerian workers out of poverty.”
The Democracy Day event was attended by various dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several governors and ministers. Pro-democracy activists, traditional rulers, and members of the diplomatic corps also attended.
Key Points from President Tinubu’s Speech:
- Affordability: Tinubu emphasized that the new minimum wage must reflect what the country can afford.
- Commitment to Service: He highlighted the importance of service, as encapsulated in the national anthem, and praised governors for their dedication.
- National Unity: Stressed the need for a concerted effort to instill patriotism and a sense of duty among Nigerians.
Reactions:
- NLC’s Stand: The NLC firmly rejected claims of any agreement on the minimum wage and reiterated its demand for N250,000.
- Government’s Position: The government side, along with private sector representatives, had proposed N62,000 during the tripartite negotiations.
The ongoing discussions highlight the complexities and challenges in reaching a consensus on a new national minimum wage that balances economic realities with the needs of Nigerian workers.
