“Present Sustainable Minimum Wage Figures Today,” Tinubu Orders Finance Minister

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to present a detailed and sustainable cost analysis for a new minimum wage today. This directive aims to establish a concrete basis for negotiations with organized labor.

The President emphasized the urgency of concluding the new minimum wage discussions promptly. The Federal Government had previously proposed wage increases to N48,000, N57,000, and N60,000, all of which were rejected by labor unions, leading to an indefinite nationwide strike that was temporarily suspended.

At a meeting in his office, Tinubu summoned key representatives, including Edun, Minister of Budget and National Planning Atiku Bagudu, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, and NNPC Ltd. CEO Mele Kyari, to discuss the contentious wage issues.

Minister Idris, speaking after the meeting, highlighted that the President is determined to ensure a balanced and realistic wage increase that considers both the government’s commitments and economic realities.

The Federal Government is keen to resume negotiations with organized labor swiftly, with the President instructing the Finance Minister to provide the necessary figures immediately for further discussions.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) suspended their strike following a joint National Executive Council meeting, pending further negotiations. They emphasized the need for a higher minimum wage, a reversal of the electricity tariff hike, and the abolition of discriminatory electricity band classifications.

Labor leaders expressed disappointment over the government’s initial wage offers and demanded a more substantial commitment. They agreed to relax the strike for one week to allow for continued negotiations.

The Senate urged the Federal Government to expedite the minimum wage resolution to prevent further industrial unrest. They criticized the actions of some union members during the strike, labeling the shutdown of the national grid as economic sabotage.

ActionAid Nigeria also called for swift government action to address the strike, noting the severe impact on public services and the economy. They urged both the government and labor unions to find a balanced compromise quickly.

Prominent lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, called on the Attorney-General of the Federation to prosecute states failing to pay the existing N30,000 minimum wage, arguing that non-compliance breaches national law.