The Federal Government and organized labour will restart national minimum wage negotiations today (Tuesday). Ahead of today’s session, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) leadership held a meeting on Monday, resolving that the national minimum wage negotiation must be finalized by May 31.
In a communique issued after their joint National Executive Council meeting, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and his TUC counterpart Festus Osifo, the unions insisted on the May 31 deadline.
Labour leaders had walked out of the last meeting of the tripartite committee on minimum wage negotiation after the Federal Government offered to pay N48,000 in response to labour’s proposed N615,000. The Organized Private Sector (OPS), on the other hand, made an initial offer of N54,000.
After abandoning the talks, the labour leaders expressed their displeasure with the Federal Government’s offer at a press conference. NLC President Ajaero insisted on a N615,000 minimum wage, arguing that the amount was based on an analysis of the current economic situation and the needs of an average Nigerian family of six. He accused the government of failing to provide substantiated data to support its offer, undermining the credibility of the negotiation.
Ajaero justified their decision to abandon the negotiation, saying, “The government’s proposal of a paltry N48,000 as the minimum wage not only insults the sensibilities of Nigerian workers but also falls significantly short of meeting our needs and aspirations.
“Notably, even the least paid workers in the private sector receive N78,000 as stated by the OPS, highlighting the disparity between the proposed minimum wage and prevailing standards, and demonstrating the unwillingness of employers and the government to negotiate a fair national minimum wage for workers in Nigeria.”
To revive the talks, the Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, Alhaji Bukar Goni, invited the labour leaders to another round of negotiation. He hinted that the government might raise the N48,000 it earlier proposed.
The former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation explained that he had discussed with government representatives, who assured him that they might make further concessions.
In the communique, the unions emphasized the urgency of reaching a fair and equitable agreement reflecting the true value of Nigerian workers’ contributions to the nation’s development and addressing the current crisis of survival facing Nigerians due to government policies.
The NEC affirmed its commitment to ensuring the interests and welfare of workers are adequately protected in the negotiation process.
The statement read, “The NEC-in-session reiterates the ultimatum issued by the NLC and TUC to the federal government, which expires on the last day of this month. It emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of the demands put forth by Nigerian workers and urges the government to prioritize resolving these issues in the best interest of industrial peace.
“The NEC-in-session further directed all state councils whose state governments have yet to fully implement the N30,000 National Minimum Wage and its consequential adjustments to issue a joint two-week ultimatum to the culpable state governments to avert industrial action.
“Consequently, the NEC-in-session reaffirms the NLC and TUC joint ultimatum earlier issued to the Anambra State government by its Anambra state councils. It directs all affiliates and workers in the state council to mobilize their members to ensure a successful action if the state government fails to meet the demands of workers by Thursday, May 23, 2024.”
Should the government fail to meet the demands outlined within the stipulated timeframe, the NEC authorized the leadership of the NLC and TUC to take appropriate actions, including the mobilization of workers for peaceful protests and industrial actions, to press home these demands for social justice and workers’ rights.
“NEC calls on all affiliate unions, workers, and civil society organizations across Nigeria to remain united and steadfast in solidarity during this critical period. Together, we shall prevail in our pursuit of a fair and just society that guarantees the dignity and well-being of all its citizens.”
