Organised Labour Rejects Proposed N100,000 Minimum Wage, Calls for Serious Negotiations

Organised Labour has strongly rejected the Federal Government’s proposal of N100,000 as the new minimum wage, urging the government to engage in serious negotiations over workers’ wages. The labour groups, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), insist that N615,000 should be the new minimum wage, using the lowest possible estimates in their calculations.

During a recent negotiation meeting, the government proposed N48,000 as the new minimum wage, prompting Organised Labour to walk out. Alhaji Bukar Goni, chairman of the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage, has since invited Organised Labour to another meeting, suggesting a willingness to compromise.

Speaking in Abuja, NLC Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, emphasized the need for the government to approach the issue with sincerity. He highlighted that the N615,000 demand was based on minimal cost estimates for essentials like accommodation and food, and noted that rising costs, including a significant hike in electricity tariffs, have increased workers’ financial burdens.

Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, a member of the NLC delegation, echoed this sentiment, arguing that N100,000 is insufficient to support a worker with a family of six. He called on the government to justify why they cannot meet the N615,000 demand and to outline steps for creating wealth and reducing governance costs.

Organised Labour remains open to negotiations but expects the government to provide a detailed breakdown of their wage proposals and to address broader economic concerns impacting workers’ livelihoods.