The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned of an impending nationwide strike as negotiations for a new minimum wage have reached a deadlock. The NLC’s Deputy President, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, stated that the Federal Government’s latest offer of N60,000 is unacceptable and that Labour will not return to the negotiating table.
The tripartite committee on minimum wage met on Tuesday, but the session ended in a stalemate, with the government proposing N60,000 and Labour insisting on N494,000. The meeting was adjourned indefinitely.
Labour leaders have expressed frustration with the government’s lack of seriousness in the negotiations, with one leader stating that the government’s proposal of N60,000 shows they are not willing to meet Labour’s demands.
The NLC has maintained its deadline of May 31, 2024, for the announcement of a new minimum wage, and has warned that all options, including a nationwide strike, are on the table if the government fails to meet their demands.
The trade union movement is expected to issue a notice of strike action if the deadline is not met, and the NLC’s organs will decide on the next course of action.