FG Pleads for Patience as Labour Strike Over Minimum Wage Set for Monday

The Federal Government has called on the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reconsider their planned indefinite strike set to commence on Monday, June 3, 2024. This plea comes in response to the unions’ dissatisfaction with the government’s refusal to increase the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, emphasized that industrial action is not a solution and urged the unions to prioritize the interests of the masses. He stressed that the government views the NLC and TUC as crucial partners in the nation’s development.

The strike announcement followed a declaration from the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, citing the government’s failure to pass a new National Minimum Wage Act and reverse the electricity tariff hike to N65/kWh as primary reasons. Ajaero expressed disappointment over the government’s perceived lack of commitment, highlighting the absence of key government officials at recent negotiation meetings.

Despite a Friday meeting with the government, Ajaero noted no progress had been made, prompting the unions to proceed with their strike plans. He reiterated that Nigerian workers deserve fair wages reflecting current economic conditions and criticized the government’s disregard for the workforce.

In addition to the NLC and TUC, key unions in the oil, gas, and power sectors, including NUPENG and PENGASSAN, have vowed to join the strike, potentially leading to fuel shortages and nationwide blackouts. NUPENG President William Akporeha confirmed the union’s participation, while PENGASSAN and NUEE officials echoed similar commitments.

Amid these developments, the Federal Government continues to defend its proposed N60,000 minimum wage, citing economic constraints and the need to prevent job losses. The government has also highlighted several non-monetary incentives, including a recent salary increase for federal workers and various palliative measures to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal.