The Organised Labour has firmly stated that the only agreement it recognizes with the Federal Government regarding the national minimum wage is the N250,000 submitted to the tripartite committee, rejecting any amount below six figures.
During the 25th Democracy Day anniversary, President Bola Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s new minimum wage would be based on what the country can afford, rather than a predetermined amount. He reiterated this stance in discussions with the National Assembly, using the proverb “cut your coat according to your size” to stress financial prudence.
Labour leaders, speaking at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, expressed concern that the president might not fully understand the committee’s recommendations, which included reviewing the minimum wage every three to two years based on inflation and cost of living. They emphasized that no current minimum wage exists in Nigeria since the last one expired in April. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) insist that both the N62,000 and N250,000 proposals should be considered, with the final decision left to the National Assembly.
In their joint briefing, the labour leaders highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting the high cost of living and the need for a living wage. They stressed that the organised labour would not accept anything less than six figures, and they expect the government to honor its commitment to providing a fair wage. The labour leaders also criticized the government for not adequately recognizing the role of organised labour in the fight for democracy in Nigeria, particularly during the June 12 struggles.
Source: The Sun