As the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage engages in daily meetings to reach a consensus, the labour movement is considering adjusting its minimum wage demand to N100,000.
Originally set at N494,000, this proposal faced widespread criticism for being unrealistic. On Tuesday, multiple sources within the labour movement indicated that union leaders are now willing to negotiate for N100,000.
The controversy surrounding the initial demand prompted the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to issue a statement through his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, on Saturday. Idris highlighted that the proposed minimum wage would lead to an untenable annual expenditure of N9.5 trillion for the nation’s finances.
Despite interventions from the National Assembly’s leadership, labour unions initiated an indefinite strike on Monday, paralyzing economic activities nationwide. Banks, airports, public schools, and courts were shut down, forcing the Federal Government to call for an emergency meeting.
Following this, President Bola Tinubu agreed to a national minimum wage higher than N60,000. In response, the unions suspended their strike for five days to facilitate ongoing negotiations.
To demonstrate his commitment to resolving the issue, President Tinubu directed the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to present the cost implications of the new minimum wage within two days.
This directive was issued during a meeting with the government negotiation team, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
A senior NLC official, speaking with The PUNCH in confidence, confirmed that the unions would insist on a N100,000 minimum wage. He explained that the Tuesday meeting aimed to set an agenda and plan how to complete the assignment within five days, without any mention of raising the government’s N60,000 offer.
The Deputy Head of NLC Political Commission, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, also confirmed that the Tuesday tripartite meeting was to draw an agenda for daily meetings.
He clarified that the strike was only “relaxed” and not suspended, putting all parties on alert for potential immediate action.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Festus Osifo, emphasized on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme that labour would not accept minor increments to the offer.
He stated that while labour was not fixated on N494,000, the new minimum wage must reflect current inflationary pressures and maintain the purchasing power of N30,000 in 2019 and N18,000 in 2014.
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris reiterated the President’s directive for the finance minister to present financial implications within 48 hours.
He assured that President Tinubu is committed to accepting the committee’s resolutions, aiming for a balance between government promises and financial realities.
Meanwhile, Labour announced a one-week relaxation of the strike to allow for productive negotiations with the Federal Government. This decision followed a joint National Executive Council meeting of the NLC and TUC, emphasizing the need for a conducive environment for discussions.
Opposition lawmakers, such as Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda and others, called for a minimum wage above N100,000 to meet current economic realities. Chinda argued that any wage below N298,800 is insufficient, stressing the government’s constitutional duty to ensure citizens’ welfare.
Senator Orji Kalu proposed a new minimum wage of N90,000, suggesting a Senate delegation to mediate between labour and the Federal Government. Former Central Bank Deputy Governor Kingsley Moghalu recommended a realistic minimum wage between N75,000 and N100,000, citing the nation’s productivity levels.
