Labour Insists on N250,000 Minimum Wage, Awaits President Tinubu’s Verdict

Organized Labour has steadfastly maintained its demand for a new minimum wage of ₦250,000, rejecting lower offers of ₦62,000 and ₦100,000 proposed by other parties. Chris Onyeka, Assistant General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), emphasized that Labour would not settle for a “starvation wage.”

NLC President Joe Ajaero, speaking at the ongoing International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, stated that they await President Bola Tinubu’s decision on Labour’s proposal. The Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage recently submitted its report, which included the differing proposals of ₦62,000 from the government and private sector, and ₦250,000 from Labour.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum expressed that any minimum wage above ₦60,000 is unsustainable. However, Onyeka reiterated Labour’s stance, highlighting the significant rise in the cost of living and essentials, which necessitates a minimum wage of ₦250,000.

The NLC issued a one-week ultimatum for the Federal Government and National Assembly to act on their demands, warning of potential nationwide industrial action if their demands are not met by the deadline. Ajaero clarified that Labour has not accepted the ₦62,000 proposal and awaits the President’s decision.

Labour leaders criticized state governors opposing the ₦62,000 proposal and called for the decentralization of their wages. They praised Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki for paying a ₦70,000 minimum wage and urged others to follow his example.

In media interviews, NLC representatives accused the government of financial mismanagement and wasteful practices, blaming these for the country’s economic challenges. They emphasized that Labour’s demands are practical and reasonable, asserting readiness for negotiations conducted in good faith.