The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have rejected the government’s proposal of ₦60,000 as the new minimum wage for workers, shifting from their initial demand of ₦497,000 down to ₦494,000. The deadlock in negotiations persists just days before the May 31 deadline set by the labour unions.
According to a member of the Tripartite Committee, the government and the Organised Private Sector had initially proposed ₦48,000 and ₦54,000, all of which were rejected by Organised Labour. The current minimum wage of ₦30,000, which expired in April 2024, was deemed insufficient for the well-being of Nigerian workers, prompting the call for a review every five years.
NLC President Joe Ajaero criticized the government’s new offer as “unsubstantial,” highlighting the deteriorating economic situation for workers. Ajaero emphasized the need for a significant increase to align with the economic realities faced by workers across the country.