The Federal Government’s latest proposal of a ₦60,000 minimum wage was rejected by the Organized Labour, which includes the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress. The unions insist on a ₦494,000 minimum wage.
The government had increased its previous offer from ₦57,000 to ₦60,000 during a meeting of the tripartite committee on minimum wage in Abuja on Tuesday. However, the Labour leaders did not find this amount acceptable.
A union member explained, “This is simply a case of if they go higher, we will go lower. They need to propose something reasonable for us to propose something lower too. There is no two-way about it.”
The Organized Labour had initially demanded ₦615,000 but reduced their request to ₦497,000 last week and further to ₦494,000 during the latest negotiation. The government had previously proposed ₦48,000 and ₦54,000, both of which were also rejected by the unions.
Organized Labour emphasized that their decision was based on discussions within their ranks before each committee meeting, ensuring a united front.
“So as long as the government is ready to present something reasonable, we will meet them in the middle,” a labour leader added.
The tripartite committee has yet to reach an agreement on a new minimum wage, with the unions’ deadline of May 31 fast approaching. The Organized Labour has given the federal government until May 31, 2024, to meet their demands, which include not only the new minimum wage but also a reversal of the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
With just three days left, the negotiations continue to be intense, as both sides strive to find a mutually acceptable resolution.
