The discussions between the Federal Government and Organized Labour regarding the new minimum wage are expected to conclude today, Monday, as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) await President Bola Tinubu’s decision on their N250,000 proposal.
The labour leaders had set a Monday deadline for the conclusion of these talks. Last Friday, the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage wrapped up its meetings where the Federal Government and the Organized Private Sector agreed on N62,000, while Labour demanded N250,000.
However, the Nigeria Governors Forum issued a statement indicating that any minimum wage higher than N60,000 would not be sustainable.
In discussions with our correspondents on Sunday, labour leaders noted that all parties were waiting for the President to make a decision on the proposals presented by the tripartite committee.
The labour leaders, who chose to remain anonymous for security reasons, mentioned that NLC President Joe Ajaero and other top union officials had left the country to participate in a labour conference organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Sources indicated that the labour leaders would hold their National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to decide on the potential strike upon their return from Geneva, based on the President’s feedback.
“We have submitted the report to the president and we are waiting for him to make his decision. That is the most important thing and that is what we are all waiting for,” one senior NLC official stated.
As it stands, many union officials are en route to Geneva for the ILO conference. Some left on Sunday, while others were scheduled to leave today. Before any NEC meeting can be held, they must return from Geneva. They are also cautious to avoid any accusations of inciting citizens against the government, especially considering the government’s control over the military.
When asked about the Monday deadline, another NLC source said, “We have sent a report to the committee and we are expecting the president to act on it. We should hold a National Executive Council meeting regarding the ultimatum when we return from Geneva. It is very important for us to be there but right now, we are patiently waiting for the decision of Mr. President.”
Organized Labour, comprising the NLC and TUC, initiated a two-day nationwide strike last Monday and Tuesday to demand a new minimum wage for workers and the reversal of the recent electricity tariff hike. To expedite the negotiations, President Tinubu directed the Finance Minister, Wale Edun, to present the cost implications for a new minimum wage within two days.
Tinubu also instructed government representatives to collaborate with the organized private sector and state governments to achieve a new, affordable wage award for Nigerians. The Finance Minister presented the cost implications of implementing a new national minimum wage to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, alongside the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, last Thursday.
The President is currently reviewing the proposal and is expected to make an official announcement soon. In the meantime, labour leadership has suspended the strike for five days after signing a commitment with the Federal Government to resume negotiations and finalize a new minimum wage within a week. This suspension followed a six-hour meeting between labour leaders and the National Assembly in Abuja on Monday night.
