The leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have set a Monday deadline for resolution, so pressure is mounting for President Bola Tinubu to make a decision on the new national minimum wage. The crucial talks between the Federal Government and Organised Labour are set to conclude today.
The government and the organised private sector reached a decision on ₦62,000 as the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage concluded its discussions last Friday. But labour has not changed its position; it is still calling for a minimum salary of ₦250,000, which is far more than what the government has suggested.
The Nigeria Governors Forum expressed their worries, stating that state governments could not afford any pay that exceeded ₦60,000. This statement emphasises the continuous battle to strike a balance between government budgetary constraints and labour demands.
A noteworthy event is that NLC President Joe Ajaero is now in Geneva, Switzerland, attending an international labour meeting hosted by the International Labour Organisation, together with other top union officials.
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After the leaders return, Labour intends to call a meeting of the National Executive Council. The president’s input at this meeting will dictate the next steps, including any potential strike actions.
“We have submitted the report to the president and we are waiting for him to make his decision,” the union leader stated when addressing reporters. It is what we are all waiting for and the most crucial thing.
“As it stands some of us are on the way to Geneva for the ILO conference. Some of us are going today (Sunday), some have gone already and before we can even hold a NEC meeting, we must come back from Geneva first. Also, we are trying to be careful so the government won’t say Labour is inciting citizens against the government. Also, you know they are in charge of the military so we are trying to be careful about that. This is why we are waiting.”
