The organized labour has adamantly stated that the proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage falls short of their expectations, deeming it inadequate, and rejecting the government’s offer of ₦62,000. Chris Onyeka, the Assistant General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), referred to the offer as a “starvation wage.” He reiterated the union’s stance, asserting their demand for a living wage set at ₦250,000.
Onyeka emphasized the importance of meeting the realities of everyday expenses, including essentials like rice, yam, and garri, in determining a fair wage. The one-week ultimatum given to the government to reconsider their proposal is set to expire, with the labour unions poised to decide on potential further action, including a revived nationwide strike, if their demands are not met by the deadline.
The prospect of a resumed strike looms should the government persist with the ₦62,000 offer, as the organized labour remains steadfast in their pursuit of a wage that adequately addresses the needs of Nigerian workers. Festus Osifo, president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), echoed this sentiment, stating that any incremental increase to the initial offer would not be deemed acceptable by the unions.
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