The Tripartite Committee tasked with negotiating a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers has yet to reach an agreement, just three days shy of the May 31 deadline set by labor unions.
Despite multiple proposals, the Organised Labour, represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has rejected the Federal Government’s latest offer of ₦60,000 as the new minimum wage, instead proposing ₦494,000.
Discussions have been ongoing, with the government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) presenting various offers, ranging from ₦48,000 to ₦60,000, all of which have been dismissed by the labor unions. Despite efforts to find common ground, today’s meeting ended without consensus on the new wage.
The labor unions argue that the current minimum wage of ₦30,000 is insufficient to meet the needs of Nigerian workers, particularly in light of economic challenges.
NLC President Joe Ajaero criticized the government’s proposals as inadequate, emphasizing the dire economic situation faced by workers and the necessity for a substantial increase to ensure their well-being. He highlighted the disparity between the economic conditions of workers and those of the bourgeoisie, advocating for a balance to be struck.
