Organised Labour is urging President Bola Tinubu to consult and agree with their leadership before transmitting the proposed bill on the new minimum wage to the National Assembly. Despite Tinubu’s promise to send an executive bill soon, the delay is causing anxiety among Labour and Nigerians. The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress debunked the claim of reaching a consensus on the new minimum wage. A key leader of the congress expressed disappointment over the lack of progress.
The last extraordinary National Executive Council meeting was on June 4, where the option of a strike was discussed should the Federal Government stick to the proposed N62,000 wage. Talks broke down after offers were raised to N62,000, deemed insufficient by Labour. The Special Adviser to the President warned that a N250,000 wage demand was unsustainable.
Former Governor, Senator Orji Kalu, suggests raising the minimum wage to N90,000 due to current inflation and hardship. He believes the proposed N62,000 falls short of expectations for civil servant treatment.