Organised Labour has reiterated its demand for a minimum wage of N100,000, as negotiations with the Federal Government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) continue. Labour leaders have expressed frustration with the government’s offer of N54,000, which they consider too meagre.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have rejected the government’s proposal, insisting that anything less than a six-digit offer is unacceptable.
The labour leaders have also accused the government of not being serious about the negotiations, citing the lack of representation from state governors and the OPS. The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, has maintained that the demand for N615,000 minimum wage is based on the current economic situation and the needs of an average Nigerian family of six.
The labour unions have given the government an ultimatum to meet their demands by May 31, 2024, or face industrial action. They have also threatened to reject any offer that is not up to six digits, stating that such an offer would be an insult to workers.
The labour leaders have also expressed disappointment with the OPS for taking sides with the government, stating that they should work with labour to stimulate the economy. They have also warned that any attempt to renege on the government’s promise to pay a living wage would lead to industrial action.
Meanwhile, some states, including Kogi, Zamfara, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Sokoto, have yet to start paying the old minimum wage of N30,000, which was agreed upon in 2019.
The Anambra State Government has blamed the paucity of funds for its inability to comply with the current minimum wage, while the Kogi State Government has denied owing workers the minimum wage.