The unions described the Federal Government’s N48,000 proposal as ludicrous.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have exited the ongoing minimum wage negotiations with the government and the Organised Private Sector. Frustrated by the Federal Government’s N48,000 national minimum wage proposal, the labour unions called the offer ridiculous.
NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that the government is not serious about negotiating the new minimum wage, lacking the necessary data to engage meaningfully with Labour. Ajaero indicated that the government has until the end of the month to make a decision, after which Labour will take its own action.
Representing the TUC at the meeting was Deputy President Mr. Tommy Okon. In a joint statement, Ajaero and Okon said, “The Government’s proposal of N48,000 as the Minimum Wage is not only insulting to Nigerian workers but also fails to meet our needs and aspirations. The Organised Private Sector proposed N54,000, though even the least paid workers in the private sector receive N78,000 monthly, showing a stark disparity between the proposed and prevailing standards. This highlights the unwillingness of Employers and Government to negotiate a fair National Minimum Wage for Workers in Nigeria.
“The Government’s lack of substantiated data to support their offer exacerbates the situation, undermining the credibility of the negotiation process and eroding trust. As representatives of Nigerian workers, we cannot accept a wage proposal that reduces income for federal workers currently receiving N30,000 plus allowances totaling N77,000. Such a regressive step undermines workers’ economic well-being and is unacceptable in a National Minimum Wage Fixing process.”
The NLC and TUC had earlier proposed a N615,000 minimum wage, citing the high cost of living.
N615,000 Wage Proposal
On April 14, organized Labour demanded a N615,000 minimum wage to address economic realities and high living costs. This figure was reached after consultations between the NLC and TUC, according to NLC President Joe Ajaero. The current N30,000 minimum wage, set to expire after five years, no longer suffices for an average Nigerian worker. Labour has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to expedite the wage review.
In January, the Federal Government established a 37-man Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, tasked with recommending a new wage.
New Minimum Wage to Take Effect from May 1
Despite high expectations for a new minimum wage announcement on Workers’ Day, May 1, it was not realized. However, the government assured that any agreed new minimum wage would be retroactive to May 1, 2024. Minister of State for Labour Nkeiruka Onyejeocha addressed workers on May Day, expressing regret for the delay but promising thorough consultations for a prompt resolution.
