Nollywood Nigerians React As Government Raises Proposed Minimum Wage To N54,000 Amidst Labour-Walkout

Following the walkout by the Organised Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, during the last meeting with the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage after the proposed N48,000 by the Federal Government, a reliable source within the ongoing meeting in Abuja disclosed to our correspondent that the government has now increased the proposed minimum wage to N54,000…..CONTINUE READING 

Although it remains uncertain whether Labour will accept this new offer, The PUNCH reports that the government’s proposal is significantly lower than the N615,000 initially suggested by the organized Labour.

National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has continued to insist on N615,000 as the minimum wage, citing an analysis of the current economic situation and the needs of an average Nigerian family of six. Ajaero attributed the breakdown in negotiation to the government and the Organised Private Sector, emphasizing their failure to reach an equitable agreement.

However, Director-General of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, described the unions’ walkout as unfortunate and urged them to return to the negotiation table for the sake of their members and national development.

Despite the criticism, Ajaero justified Labour’s decision, stating that the government’s initial proposal of N48,000 insulted the sensibilities of Nigerian workers and fell short of meeting their needs and aspirations. He called on the government to provide substantiated data to support its offer, emphasizing transparency and good faith in the negotiation process.

President Tinubu had inaugurated the 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage on January 30, 2024, urging them to reach a resolution promptly. The panel, comprising federal and state governments, the private sector, and organised labour, has been tasked with recommending a new national minimum wage for the country.

Published By: Destiny.Jnr