FG Proposes Minimum Wage Exceeding N60,000 as Labour Unions Consult Their Members
In another development, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its willingness to offer a minimum wage exceeding N60,000, urging organized Labour to consider the proposal.
However, the specific amount was not disclosed.
This announcement came late Monday following a meeting between government officials and leaders from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
The statement was signed by Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, and Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, representing the Federal Government. Representing organized Labour, the signatories were Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, and Festus Osifo, President of the TUC.
The joint statement detailed the following points:
-The Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage (NMW) had previously been in negotiation when labour withdrew, prompting intervention by the National Assembly on June 2, 2024. This led to a nationwide strike by organized labour on June 3, 2024, to press their demands.
-In response, the Federal Government convened a meeting with labour representatives at the OSGF on June 3, 2024, aiming to resolve the strike.
-After thorough discussions, it was resolved that the President is committed to establishing a national minimum wage higher than N60,000.
-Following this, the Tripartite Committee will meet daily for the next week to agree on a suitable national minimum wage.
-Labour leaders will immediately convene a meeting with their members to consider the government’s commitment.
-No worker will face repercussions as a result of participating in the strike.
This move by the Federal Government is seen as a significant step towards addressing the demands of the labour unions and ending the ongoing industrial action.