Understanding the NLC’s Decision: The Story Behind the N70,000 Minimum Wage Deal
By Omeiza Ajayi & Johnbosco Agbakwuru
President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Joe Ajaero, shared insights on the NLC’s agreement with President Bola Tinubu regarding the N70,000 minimum wage during recent talks. Ajaero explained that after rejecting an offer to increase petroleum prices, they accepted the N70,000 wage. The organized labour had initially demanded N250,000 but settled for this lower amount.
During discussions, the President suggested a higher wage in exchange for increased fuel prices. However, Ajaero clarified that their focus was solely on the wage issue, not fuel prices. Ajaero criticized the government’s inflated cost of converting vehicles to CNG, highlighting the challenges faced in implementing this plan.
As the NLC gears up to make crucial decisions in their upcoming meetings, Ajaero emphasized the need for proper negotiation and consultation on critical issues. He expressed concerns over the impact of recent fuel price hikes on the Nigerian populace, urging a reversal of the decision to alleviate the financial burden on citizens.
Stay tuned for updates as the NLC’s decision-making process unfolds next week.