Minister Warns Against Labour’s Demands, Citing Economic-Instability (Details)

Minister Warns Against Labour’s Demands, Citing Economic-Instability (Details)

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has warned that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) demands for a national minimum wage of ₦494,000 could destabilize the economy and jeopardize the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians. Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, Idris addressed the looming threat of a strike by organized labour if their demands are not met.

Idris highlighted that the Federal Government’s offer of a ₦60,000 minimum wage represents a 100% increase from the existing wage set in 2019. This proposal has already been accepted by the organized private sector, a key member of the tripartite committee involved in the negotiations.

“The Federal Government’s new minimum wage proposal amounts to a 100 percent increase on the existing minimum wage of 2019. Labour, however, is demanding ₦494,000, which represents a 1,547 percent increase on the existing wage,” Idris explained. He further noted that meeting this demand would translate into a ₦9.5 trillion bill for the Federal Government.

Idris emphasized the unsustainable nature of such a high minimum wage, warning that it could lead to significant job losses, particularly in the private sector, which might struggle to meet such high wage demands. He stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to ensuring the welfare of all Nigerians, not just the 1.2 million workers focused on by the labour unions.

“The President will not support any action that could lead to massive job loss, especially in the private sector, which may not be able to pay the wage demanded by organized labour,” Idris stated. He appealed to the labour unions to return to the negotiating table and engage in discussions to arrive at reasonable and realistic wages for their members.

The minister reiterated the government’s dedication to workers’ welfare, highlighting that the wage award of ₦35,000 for federal workers will continue until a new national minimum wage is established. This commitment underscores the Tinubu administration’s focus on affordability, sustainability, and the overall health of the nation’s economy.

Idris called on organized labour to consider the broader implications of their demands and work towards a solution that balances the needs of workers with the economic realities facing the country.