Labour, FG Fine-Tune Talks on Minimum Wage

In a bid to address the pressing issue of a new national minimum wage, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Festus Osifo, confirmed that discussions between labour representatives and the Federal Government are ongoing. These talks have involved high-level meetings with the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and other key officials to ensure the new wage will adequately support the nation’s poorest workers.

Speaking at the maiden Annual Convention of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Women Commission in Abuja, Osifo highlighted the extensive groundwork being done before the bill is submitted to the National Assembly. The theme of the event was “The Dynamic Woman: Navigating Challenges in a Constantly Evolving World.”

Despite a consensus between the Federal Government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) on a N62,000 minimum wage, labour unions have stood firm on a demand for N250,000. Osifo emphasized that significant “internal work” is in progress to reconcile these positions and expedite the bill’s submission.

“The minimum wage negotiations cannot be dead,” Osifo stated, pointing out that the process for the 2019 minimum wage, which took two years, serves as a cautionary tale. He reassured attendees that efforts are being made to avoid similar delays this time around.

The ongoing negotiations are part of a broader consultation process initiated by President Bola Tinubu, involving governors, local government chairmen, the organised private sector, and labour unions. The goal is to present a unified and comprehensive proposal to the National Assembly that addresses the needs of all stakeholders.

In addition to the minimum wage discussions, Osifo addressed the country’s fuel scarcity issues, attributing them to logistical challenges and inadequate infrastructure. He called for improvements in pipeline technology, rail systems, and oil depots to mitigate these problems and ensure a steady supply of fuel.

Comrade Ada Mbanaso, the National Chairperson of the PENGASSAN Women Commission, also spoke at the convention, highlighting the commission’s community initiatives. These include back-to-school projects, support for orphanages and elderly homes, empowerment programs for widows and small-scale business owners, and campaigns on menstrual hygiene and mental health.

Mbanaso reiterated the commission’s dedication to advancing women’s roles within PENGASSAN and the broader community, advocating for gender equity, leadership opportunities for women, and a supportive environment for professional development.