The quest for a new minimum wage in Nigeria has reached a critical juncture, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the federal government at an impasse over the final figures. The NLC, on Wednesday, reiterated that no consensus has been reached with the government or the private sector on the base figure for the wage or its components.
In a contrasting statement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the 25th Democracy Day Anniversary Dinner at the State House Conference Centre, declared that the country would only commit to what it can afford.
While addressing the National Assembly leadership and hinting at a potential revision of the proposed figures, Tinubu stated, “We’re going to do what Nigeria can afford, what you can afford, what I can afford.”
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also weighed in, advocating for a “realistic and sustainable wage system” that aligns with the nation’s economic situation.
The deadlock was evident at the last meeting of the Tripartite Committee on minimum wage in Abuja, where the government and private sector’s final offer stood at N62,000, a stark contrast to the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC)’s adjusted demand of N250,000, down from N594,000.
The NLC expressed disappointment in a statement, expecting President Tinubu to have merged the two proposals into a suitable minimum wage.
“The NLC would have expected that the advisers of the President would have told him that we neither reached any agreement… Our demand still remains N250,000 only,” the statement read.
The labour union also urged the President to use his democratic experience to favor the workers and masses, suggesting that he may have been misinformed about an agreement. The NLC remains firm on its stance and awaits an Executive Bill that reflects the true demands of Nigerian workers.
Tinubu also alerted the National Assembly to anticipate his memorandum on the matter, indicating a possible shift in his position on the final wage settlement.
The Democracy Day event was graced by pro-democracy icons and political dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, among others. They gathered not only to celebrate the day but also to witness the unfolding dialogue on the national minimum wage, a subject that holds significant implications for the nation’s workforce.
As the debate continues, the NLC stands resolute, calling on President Tinubu to honor his commitment to lifting Nigerian workers out of poverty and not to succumb to advice that may undermine this promise.
