Just In: Minister Call For Negotiation To Nationwide-Strike Amid Economic-Disruption (View Details)

Just In: Minister Call For Negotiation To Nationwide-Strike Amid Economic-Disruption (View Details)

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has called on Organised Labour to cease its ongoing nationwide strike, which has caused significant disruption to Nigeria’s economic activities. Speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Monday, Onyejeocha highlighted the severe economic losses suffered since the strike began, affecting sectors such as businesses, airports, universities, hospitals, and power.

Onyejeocha emphasized the complexities involved in determining a new minimum wage, noting that it requires collaboration between the Federal Government, state governments, and the Organised Private Sector. She pointed out that the first 24 hours of the strike had already caused considerable hardship for Nigerians and urged the labour unions to return to negotiations.

Addressing the ₦494,000 wage demand by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Onyejeocha stated that this figure is impractical, especially since many state governments are still struggling to meet the ₦30,000 minimum wage established in 2019. She argued that any new wage agreement must reflect economic realities, including the productivity and financial capabilities of employers.

The minister urged the unions to consider the ₦60,000 offer proposed by the government and the private sector, warning that the higher demand could worsen the already high inflation rate, currently at 33.69%. Onyejeocha reassured that the government is committed to reaching a fair and sustainable wage agreement that takes into account the nation’s economic conditions and the broader impacts on the economy.

In her plea, Onyejeocha emphasized the need for a balanced approach that would ensure both fair wages for workers and the financial stability of employers, ultimately aiming to prevent further economic disruptions and hardships for Nigerians.