Labour Adjusts Minimum Wage Demand, Eyes Realistic Compensation

Organised labour signals a willingness to revise its demand for a N1 million minimum wage for workers in Nigeria, aligning with current economic realities. The adjustment is expected to be conveyed to the Federal Government during the upcoming session of the tripartite committee on the minimum wage scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.

The second meeting of the committee, inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu, is poised to facilitate discussions among representatives from federal and state governments, the private sector, and organised labour. The collaborative effort aims to announce a new minimum wage by April 1, following the expiration of the existing N30,000 minimum wage mandated by law.

The committee, chaired by former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Bukar Aji, emphasizes the need for a “fair, practical, implementable, and sustainable” minimum wage. The urgency of the matter is underscored by the impending expiry of the current minimum wage.

The President had approved N500 million for the committee’s inauguration, despite a leaked memo revealing a requested N1.8 billion. Labour representatives express shock at the approved amount, emphasizing their lack of information and vowing to investigate further.

In response to rising inflation and economic challenges, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, had previously suggested a possible demand for a N1 million minimum wage. Labour representative Akeem Ambali explains that collective bargaining allows for compromise after considering all relevant factors.

The Trade Union Congress Deputy President, Tommy Etim, defends the proposed N1 million minimum wage, citing increased living costs, removal of fuel subsidy, and the need for fair compensation. Etim criticizes the stark contrast between politicians’ earnings and workers’ wages.

The Federal Government responds cautiously, stating that it will await the committee’s final decision before making a reasonable determination considering national resources and other factors. Meanwhile, economists and experts advise both parties to approach negotiations with consideration for the nation’s economic conditions, emphasizing the need for compromise in achieving a sustainable solution.