Labour Confrontation Looms as FG Fails to Sustain N35,000 Wage Award

In a growing dispute, organized labour and the Federal Government are at odds as the government fails to sustain the promised N35,000 wage award to workers. Federal Civil Service employees, in separate interviews on Monday, revealed that the government only honored the wage award for September.

The N35,000 payment was initiated after President Bola Tinubu removed the fuel subsidy to alleviate the resulting hardships. According to a memo signed by Ekpo Nta, Chairman of the National Salaries Wages and Income Commission, the wage award was slated to begin on September 1, 2023.

Contrary to expectations, investigations revealed that only the wage award for September was disbursed. A senior civil servant expressed confusion, stating, “We all are confused as there has been no official communication from the government as regards the matter.”

Concerns were voiced by workers who emphasized the impact of the subsidy removal on their take-home pay. A civil servant remarked, “Our take-home salaries cannot even take us home any longer at this point.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) denounced the government’s actions, with Benson Upah, the Head of Information at NLC, calling it “completely unacceptable.” He hinted at potential actions by the congress, stating, “Certainly, the congress will do something about this.”

In response, Bawa Mokwa, spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, reassured civil servants that plans were underway to ensure the disbursement of wage awards, stating, “The process is ongoing. They will be paid.”

Amidst the controversy, it was revealed that the Federal Government has allocated N1 trillion in the 2024 appropriation budget for minimum wage adjustments, promotion arrears, and severance benefits for civil servants. Upah from NLC emphasized their opposition to any imposition of a new minimum wage, highlighting the necessity of collective negotiations among stakeholders.

While negotiations on the new minimum wage have not yet begun, Upah expressed optimism that talks would commence soon, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative approach in setting minimum wage standards.