NLC Reacts to Federal Government’s 35% Salary Increase for Civil Servants

In response to the Federal Government’s recent announcement of a 25 to 35% increase in salary for civil servants, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed skepticism, suggesting that the decision might have been made in bad faith. NLC President, Joe Ajaero, stated that Organised Labour is awaiting further consultation with its organs before issuing an official response to the government’s decision.

Ajaero shared these thoughts during an appearance on AIT’s flagship breakfast program, “Kakaaki.” He mentioned that Organised Labour was in the midst of negotiations with the government, having proposed a new National Minimum Wage of N615,000 after zonal hearings by the 37-member Tripartite National Minimum Wage Negotiating Committee. This proposal, however, preceded a substantial 320% hike in electricity tariffs.

The NLC’s concern stems from the government’s lack of response to the proposed new minimum wage, despite the expiration of the previous minimum wage on April 18. The existing N30,000 minimum wage was signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019. Ajaero indicated that the government has remained silent since Organised Labour submitted its proposal for a significant increase in the minimum wage.

The Federal Government’s announcement, made on the eve of Workers’ Day, stated that the 25 to 35% increase would apply to civil servants across various sectors, including police officers, the Armed Forces, and public servants, among others. The Head of Press at the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Emmanuel Njoku, released the statement indicating that the increment would be retroactively effective from January 1, 2024.

The new salary structures encompass multiple categories, such as the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS), and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS).

Additional salary increases have also been implemented for those in tertiary education and health sectors, including the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS), Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS), Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS), and Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS).

As the NLC plans its formal response, the focus remains on the government’s approach to addressing salary structures and the need for a transparent and fair negotiation process regarding the new National Minimum Wage.