The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have rejected the N54,000 proposed by the federal government as the minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
On Tuesday, reports that the federal government had increased the proposed minimum wage to N54,000 surfaced after organised labour kicked against the initial N48,000 during a negotiation meeting.
After staging a walkout from the negotiation meeting, , NLC president,
Joe Ajaero said the federal government did not show seriousness about discussing with the labour.
“The government’s proposal of a paltry N48,000 as the minimum wage does not only insult the sensibilities of Nigerian workers but also falls significantly short of meeting our needs and aspirations,” Ajaero had said.
Reacting to the proposed N58,000, NLC spokesperson, Ben Ukpa said that what the government is offering is “unacceptable”.
“The unions, including the NLC and TUC, reject the N54,000 proposed. We will continue discussions,” Ukpa said.
TMY Newspapers reports that the NLC and TUC had proposed N615,500 as the minimum wage that the federal government should pay Nigerian workers, citing the high cost of living.
On Monday, at the end of a joint national executive council (NEC) meeting, the two labour bodies handed the federal government until May 31 to conclude the new national minimum wage fixing process.
“We need an agreement that will genuinely reflect the true value of Nigerian workers’ contributions to the nation’s development and the current crisis of survival facing Nigerians as a result of the government’s policies,” the labour movement said.
“The NEC affirms its commitment to ensuring that the interests and welfare of workers are adequately protected in the negotiation process.”
