The Nigeria Labour Congress will continue its negotiations for a new minimum wage today at a federal government Tripartite Committee meeting in Abuja.
Both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress are expected to present fresh proposals as part of efforts to reach an agreement.
Currently, the federal government is proposing a minimum wage of N57,000, while organized labor has adjusted its demands from N615,000 to N497,000.
A senior NLC official stated, “We are keeping this figure secret for now,” indicating that the NLC will unveil a new proposal at today’s meeting.
Last week’s meeting saw the participation of some governors, including Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, with Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State attending via Zoom.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, during a visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists headquarters in Abuja on Monday, expressed the union’s interest in working with media stakeholders to negotiate a uniform salary template for journalists.
Ajaero acknowledged the significant contributions of journalists to the restoration of democracy but lamented their continued neglect despite the risks and sacrifices they make. He said, “As journalists, we advocate for everybody but nobody for us. We fight for others and not for ourselves. There are media houses that have not paid salaries for almost one year.”
Ajaero advocated for a consultative mechanism that would negotiate a minimum wage or industry salary benchmark for journalists every two years, distinguishing between those employed by the federal government, state governments, and the private sector.
Ajaero appealed to the NUJ to collaborate with the labor movement to address the challenges facing journalists. He noted that despite advancements in technology, the practice of journalism in Nigeria is worsening in terms of security and welfare. “Despite the new technology, the practice of journalism in Nigeria is getting worse in terms of security and welfare,” he said.
Addressing the treatment of journalists by security agents, Ajaero emphasized that freedom of the press should not be hindered. He stated, “Where a journalist runs foul of the law, he should be prosecuted according to the law, not kidnapped.”
NUJ National President Chris Isiguzo welcomed Ajaero and his delegation, commending him for recognizing key challenges in the media profession. Isiguzo urged organized labor to consider journalists’ interests in their protests for workers’ welfare.
Isiguzo also highlighted the issue of regulating the media profession, particularly the proliferation of online media platforms. He proposed the establishment of a National Ombudsman for the media to regulate practices and address poor remuneration issues. The NUJ has also proposed a Bill of Rights to protect the rights, welfare, and interests of practicing journalists.
