In response to the withdrawal of Labour from the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage (NMW) negotiations, the leadership of the National Assembly intervened on June 2, 2024.
This intervention prompted the Organised Labour to declare a nationwide strike beginning Monday, June 3, 2024, to press their demands for a higher minimum wage and better working conditions.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Federal Government convened a critical meeting with Labour representatives at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on the same day, aiming to find a resolution to end the strike. Following extensive deliberations, several key resolutions were reached:
- Commitment to a Higher Minimum Wage: The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, expressed a firm commitment to establishing a National Minimum Wage higher than ₦60,000.
- Daily Meetings of the Tripartite Committee: To expedite the resolution process, the Tripartite Committee will meet daily over the next week to finalize an agreeable National Minimum Wage.
- Labour’s Response: In light of the President’s commitment, the Organised Labour will immediately convene a meeting of its organs to consider and respond to the government’s proposals.
- Protection Against Victimization: It was agreed that no worker will face victimization or punitive measures for participating in the industrial action.
The daily meetings of the Tripartite Committee over the next week will be critical in finalizing the new National Minimum Wage, which aims to better reflect the economic realities and needs of the workforce.
The Organised Labour’s willingness to engage with the government on these terms demonstrates a shared commitment to achieving a fair and sustainable resolution.
As both parties work towards a consensus, the nation remains hopeful for a swift end to the strike and a strengthened dialogue between the government and its workforce.
