Minimum Wage Negotiations: Labour Boycotts Meeting as FG Hints at Increased Offer

Organized labour yesterday boycotted the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage (NMW) meeting, condemning the government’s proposal of N48,000 as insulting. Meanwhile, the federal government indicated its willingness to improve its minimum wage offer.

The walkout, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), came after rejecting the government’s N48,000 proposal. Labour leaders criticized the offer as demeaning to Nigerian workers and insufficient to meet their needs.

The existing federal minimum wage is N30,000, supplemented by a 40% allowance of N12,000 and a N35,000 wage award from former President Muhammadu Buhari, totaling N77,000. The new proposal represents a significant cut.

Following the walkout, Ekpo Nta, Secretary and member of the Tripartite Committee, invited labour representatives to resume negotiations the next day. However, the labour team refused to attend, demanding the government demonstrate seriousness and transparency.

Dr. Tommy Okon, TUC Deputy President, stated, “We could not attend the meeting after walking out. We expect the government to present something meaningful. Until then, we will stay out.”

In response, the federal government urged labour to return to the table, promising flexibility. Bukar Aji, Chairman of the Tripartite Committee, in a letter to NLC President Joe Ajaero, proposed resuming negotiations on Tuesday, May 21. He emphasized the need for mutual concessions to finalize the agreement before the upcoming International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conference in Geneva.