Nigerian workers have rejected the government’s proposal of a N48,000 minimum wage, calling it a ridiculous offer.
The Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage, which includes members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Wednesday.
However, after the federal government announced its plan to increase the minimum wage from N30,000 to N48,000, the unions expressed their displeasure and walked out of the meeting.
The unions are demanding a minimum wage of N615,000 due to inflationary pressures, and have warned the government to meet their demand by May 31, 2024, or face a nationwide shutdown. The federal government has labeled the demand as unreasonable.
NLC National President Joe Ajaero explained that the N615,000 figure was determined by analyzing the current economic situation and the needs of an average Nigerian family of six.
He detailed the breakdown of this amount, including costs for housing, electricity, utilities, fuel, food, medical expenses, clothing, education, sanitation, and transportation.
Ajaero elaborated, “Living wage is such that will, at least, keep you alive. It is not a wage that will make you poorer and poorer. It is not a wage that will make you borrow to go to work. It is not a wage that will lead you to be in the hospital every day because of malnutrition. For that living wage, we have tried to look at N615,000.”
Following the breakdown in negotiations, Ajaero revealed that the organized private sector had proposed an initial offer of N54,000, higher than the government’s offer. He criticized both the government and the organized private sector for their unreasonable actions, which led to the negotiation impasse.
Ajaero stated, “In the light of these developments, and to prevent the negotiation of a wage deduction, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have decided to walk out of the negotiation process. We remain committed to advocating for the rights and interests of Nigerian workers and will continue to engage in reasonable dialogue with the government if they show serious commitment to find a fair and sustainable resolution to this impasse.”
He urged the government to reconsider its position and return to the negotiation table with a fair proposal that reflects the true value of Nigerian workers’ contributions and the current socioeconomic realities.
Ajaero concluded by emphasising the need for collaboration to establish a N615,000 minimum wage, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s pledge to ensure a living wage for Nigerian workers.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Why Premier League clubs are calling for the removal of VAR?