Negotiations over a new minimum wage hit a roadblock as organised labour dismisses the Federal Government’s proposed N54,000 minimum wage, prompting a pause in discussions until Wednesday.
Previously, the Federal Government had increased its offer from N48,000 to N54,000, as reported exclusively by The PUNCH. However, Tuesday’s meeting, a follow-up to last week’s walkout by labour over the initial N48,000 proposal, saw no resolution.
Labour’s steadfast demand for a N615,000 minimum wage contrasts with the Government’s offer and the Organised Private Sector’s proposition of N54,000.
Expressing disappointment, a labour leader highlighted the absence of seriousness on the government’s part, with state governors notably missing from the discussion table. The adjournment leaves hopes pinned on potential increases from the private sector in future negotiations.
Labour has reiterated its May 31, 2024 deadline for implementing the new minimum wage, emphasizing the necessity of a fair agreement considering the economic challenges faced by Nigerian families.
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Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, criticized the Government and OPS for the negotiation breakdown, citing their actions as unreasonable.
In a joint statement, the NLC and TUC underscored the importance of a fair deal that respects workers’ contributions and addresses the nation’s survival crisis stemming from governmental policies.
President Bola Tinubu’s Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage, inaugurated on January 30, 2024, aimed to recommend a new wage before the current N30,000 wage expired on April 18. However, with proposals ranging from N447,000 to N850,000 across different regions, reaching a consensus remains elusive.
