Organised Labour in Nigeria has remained obstinate in its demand for a new minimum wage of ₦250,000, dismissing lower offers as inadequate. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has categorically rejected proposals of ₦62,000 and ₦100,000, labeling them as “starvation wages.”
In an interview on Monday during the ongoing International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that the union is awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s response to their proposal. Ajaero emphasized that the proposed figures by the government and employers do not reflect labour’s stance.
Chris Onyeka, Assistant General Secretary of the NLC, reiterated the union’s position during an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Morning Brief’ program. He firmly stated that the NLC would not accept any wage below ₦250,000, deeming the government’s proposal insufficient.
“Our position is very clear. We have never considered accepting ₦62,000 or any other wage that we know is below what Nigerian workers can take home. We will not negotiate a starvation wage,” Onyeka declared. “We are still at ₦250,000; that is where we are, and that is what we considered enough concession to the government and the other social partners in this particular situation.
On Monday, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) announced that the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage had submitted its report. The report, reflecting discussions with the Federal Government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS), proposed a wage of ₦62,000, which labour rejected.
Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations for the OSGF, stated that the report would be presented to President Tinubu upon the return of labour leaders from Switzerland. “A formal presentation of the report will be made to Mr President for appropriate action,” Imohiosen said.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed opposition to any minimum wage above ₦60,000, arguing that such a figure is unsustainable. However, NLC President Ajaero criticized this stance, pointing out the disparity in financial contributions among states and urging governors to decentralize their own wages if they advocate for decentralized minimum wages.
“How can any governor say he cannot pay? They cannot also be calling for the decentralization of the minimum wage. Are their wages decentralized?” Ajaero questioned. He praised Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki for already paying a ₦70,000 minimum wage, urging other governors to follow this example.
The NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had previously issued a one-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, which expires at midnight on Tuesday. Onyeka warned that if the government fails to act on workers’ demands, the unions will consider resuming nationwide industrial action.
“If, after tomorrow (today), we have not seen any tangible response from the government, the organs of the organised labour will meet to decide what to do next,” Onyeka stated.
See Also: Labour Rejects Government’s Minimum Wage Offer
Benson Upah, head of the NLC’s information department, attributed the economic difficulties to government mismanagement rather than wage issues. He accused the government of wasteful practices and emphasized the unfairness of the current economic policies.
“In our estimation, the issues do not lie with wages but the government’s profligacy and an assumption that is pertinently criminal, that some people should live well and the majority should live hideously poor,” Upah asserted.
Upah also accused certain state governors of undermining the minimum wage negotiations, labeling their actions as mischievous. He called for serious and practical negotiations, stating that labour’s demands are both reasonable and necessary given the economic realities faced by Nigerian workers.
NLC awaits President Tinubu’s decision on the minimum wage proposals, as it will determine whether an all-out industrial action will be called out or not.
“We are hopeful that this President will do the right thing,” Ajaero concluded, expressing cautious optimism for a resolution that meets the needs of the country’s workforce.
Source: Punch