10th June 2024
Labour Update
The eagerly anticipated new minimum wage discussions between the Federal Government and Organised Labour are set to conclude today, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) leaders awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s decision on their proposed N250,000 minimum wage.
Labour leaders had set a Monday deadline for the conclusion of these critical talks.
Last Friday, the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage wrapped up its meetings, reaching a consensus between the Federal Government and the Organized Private Sector on a figure of N62,000. However, Labour leaders have steadfastly demanded N250,000. The Nigeria Governors Forum, in a statement, claimed that any minimum wage exceeding N60,000 was unsustainable.
In an exclusive conversation with our correspondents on Sunday, labour leaders expressed that all parties were now awaiting the President’s decision on the proposals from the tripartite committee. For security reasons, these leaders wished to remain anonymous. They confirmed that NLC President Joe Ajaero and other senior union officials had traveled to Geneva, Switzerland, to participate in a conference organized by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
A source indicated that a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting would be held upon the leaders’ return from Geneva, where a decision on potential strike action would be made based on the President’s feedback.
“We have submitted our report to the President and are now waiting for his decision. This is our primary focus,” a senior NLC official said.
The source elaborated on the Geneva trip, emphasizing the need to handle the situation delicately to avoid government accusations of incitement and to be mindful of the government’s control over the military.
Another insider commented on the Monday ultimatum, stating, “We have sent our report to the committee and are waiting for the President’s response. We will hold a NEC meeting regarding the ultimatum once we return from Geneva. It’s crucial for us to be there, but we are patiently waiting for Mr. President’s decision.”
Last week, the NLC and TUC conducted a two-day nationwide strike to demand a new minimum wage and the reversal of the electricity tariff hike. The strike was suspended for five days following a commitment from the Federal Government to resume negotiations and establish a new minimum wage within a week. This decision came after a six-hour meeting between labour leaders and the National Assembly in Abuja.
To expedite the negotiations, President Tinubu directed the Finance Minister, Wale Edun, to present the cost implications of a new minimum wage within two days. The Finance Minister, along with the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, presented these implications to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Thursday. The President is currently reviewing the proposal and is expected to make an official announcement soon.
