Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejoecha, has stated that the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress calling for a nationwide strike is not in the best interest of the country.
Onyejoecha warned that a strike during ongoing negotiations would worsen economic challenges and increase the hardships faced by millions of Nigerians.
Onyejoecha emphasized, “Initiating a strike amid current negotiations would not only worsen economic challenges but also intensify the hardships faced by millions of Nigerians striving to make ends meet through their daily efforts.”
Meanwhile, the Tripartite Committee on the New National Minimum Wage criticized Organised Labour for linking the nationwide strike against electricity tariff increases with the new minimum wage discussions. They described it as unjust to the negotiating parties.
In a statement by her Media Aide, Emameh Gabriel, over the weekend, the Minister noted the government’s consistent dedication during the talks with Organised Labour.
She clarified that the government’s suggestions were carefully developed, considering the nation’s economic circumstances.
“The government’s stance is rooted in a deep understanding of the negotiations, demonstrating its dedication to finding a balance between the needs of workers and the economic realities of the country,” Onyejoecha said.
“The goal is to establish a minimum wage that is not only realistic but also sustainable, avoiding any potentially detrimental consequences for the economy.”
The Tripartite Committee highlighted efforts to reach a consensus on the new minimum wage. During a meeting on May 28, 2024, both employers and Organised Labour tabled their offers.
The Government and Private Sector proposed a monthly wage of N60,000.00, a 100 percent increase from the existing minimum wage.
In contrast, Organised Labour proposed N494,000 per month, a staggering 1,547 percent increase.
This led to the meeting being adjourned, with Organised Labour seeking further consultations.
The Committee stated that attempts to reconvene on June 31, 2024, were thwarted when Organised Labour walked out, insisting that employers first shift grounds.
“During the continuation of the meeting, the Government further defended their offer of N60,000 per month based on economic considerations and non-monetary incentives,” the Committee said.
“However, labour’s inflexibility and unrealistic expectations may hinder the progress made thus far, ultimately harming the workers they represent and the nation as a whole.”
In a related development, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has vowed to shut down seaports nationwide, complying with the directive of the NLC and TUC. The strike will commence tomorrow in response to the government’s refusal to increase the minimum wage and reverse the new electricity tariff.
Kennedy Ikemefuna, MWUN’s Head of Media, stated, “The MWUN under the leadership of Comrade Adeyanju has obliged to comply with the directive of NLC and TUC to join in the indefinite total lockdown of the country commencing from Monday, the 3rd of June, 2024.”
The MWUN President-General, Adewale Adeyanju, affirmed the union’s commitment to the strike.
“The indefinite nationwide strike has become very imperative, given the failure of the Federal Government on the logjam and the inconclusive national minimum wage negotiation and refusal to reverse the hard-biting hike in electricity tariff.”
Maritime workers are expected to ensure total compliance with the strike at all ports, jetties, terminals, and oil & gas platforms nationwide.
