The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed confidence in governors’ ability to implement the proposed N615,000 minimum wage if they align their priorities accordingly.
Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized the realism of the N615,000 figure, considering the prevailing inflation rates in the country.
Ajaero highlighted that the proposed minimum wage takes into account essential factors such as transportation, housing, and feeding, ensuring a fair standard of living for workers.
He stressed that while N30,000 might seem substantial, it becomes more meaningful when inflation is curbed and maintained at single-digit levels.
Addressing concerns about states’ financial capabilities, Ajaero emphasized the importance of prioritization over mere fiscal capacity.
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He cited instances where states with lower revenues demonstrated willingness to pay the current minimum wage, underscoring the significance of decision-making in utilizing available resources.
The NLC president also referenced past scenarios where funds were allocated to states for wage payments, yet some failed to comply, attributing it to misaligned priorities rather than financial constraints.
The ongoing minimum wage negotiations between federal and state governments and organised labour have seen the proposal of N615,000 amidst looming strike threats if an agreement is not reached before May 31, 2024.
This development follows the 2019 implementation of a N30,000 minimum wage by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, with some states yet to fully implement the increment.
