Minimum Wage Negotiations Conclude, Labour Awaits President Tinubu’s Decision

The long-awaited discussions on Nigeria’s new minimum wage between the Federal Government and Organised Labour are set to conclude today. Leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are now awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s decision on their proposed N250,000 minimum wage.

After a series of meetings, the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage reached a tentative agreement last Friday, with the Federal Government and the Organized Private Sector agreeing on N62,000, while Labour firmly demanded N250,000. The Nigeria Governors Forum, however, has maintained that any minimum wage exceeding N60,000 would be unsustainable.

Speaking to correspondents on Sunday, Labour leaders indicated that they are waiting for the President’s response to the committee’s proposals. These leaders, including NLC President Joe Ajaero, are currently attending an International Labour Organisation conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

One top NLC official, preferring anonymity due to security concerns, emphasized the importance of the President’s decision, stating, “We have submitted the report to the president and we are waiting for him to make his decision. That is the most important thing and that is what we are all waiting for.”

The NLC leaders plan to hold a National Executive Council meeting upon their return from Geneva to decide on the potential strike based on President Tinubu’s feedback. They have stressed caution to avoid any perception of inciting the public against the government, particularly given the government’s control over the military.

This situation follows a recent two-day nationwide strike by the NLC and TUC last Monday and Tuesday, demanding a new minimum wage and a reversal of the electricity tariff hike. The strike was suspended for five days following a six-hour negotiation with the National Assembly, resulting in an agreement to expedite discussions on the new minimum wage within a week.

In a bid to fast-track these negotiations, President Tinubu directed Finance Minister Wale Edun to present the cost implications of a new minimum wage. This report was presented to the President last Thursday, and he is currently reviewing it before making an official announcement.