It’s an insult for federal government to propose N48,000 as minimum wage–NLC &TUC barks

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have rejected the proposed minimum wage of N48,000 by the Nigerian government.

Addressing a joint press conference in Abuja, National President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero said “the less than reasonable action of the government and the organised private sector (OPS)” caused breakdown in negotiations.

According to Ajaero, the proposal of N48,000 by the Federal Government was an insult to Nigerian workers.

“Government’s proposal of a paltry N48,000 (forty-eight thousand Naira) as the Minimum Wage does not only insult the sensibilities of Nigerian workers but also falls significantly short of meeting our needs and aspirations,” he said.

According to the NLC leader, the organised private sector proposed an initial offer of N54,000.

“Though it is worth noting that even the least paid workers in the private sector receive N78,000 as clearly stated by the OPS, highlighting the stark disparity between the proposed minimum wage and prevailing standards further demonstrating the unwillingness of Employers and Government to faithfully negotiate a fair National Minimum Wage for Workers in Nigeria.

“Furthermore, the Government’s failure to provide any substantiated data to support their offer exacerbates the situation. This lack of transparency and good faith undermines the credibility of the negotiation process and erodes trust between the parties involved.

“As representatives of Nigerian workers, we cannot in good conscience accept a wage proposal that would result in a reduction in income for federal-level workers who are already receiving N30,000 (thirty thousand Naira) as mandated by law, augmented by Buhari’s 40% Peculiar allowance (N12,000) and the N35,000 wage award, totalling N77,000 only. Such a regressive step would undermine the economic well-being of workers and their families and is unacceptable in a National Minimum Wage Fixing process.”

In conclusion, Ajaero said that labour leaders had to walk out of negotiations but noted that the unions remain committed to advocating for the rights and interests of Nigerian workers.

“In 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,” Ajaero said.

He also called upon the government to reconsider its position and come to the negotiation table with, “clear hands that reflect the true value of the contributions made by Nigerian workers to the nation’s development and the objective socioeconomic realities that confront not just Nigerian workers but Nigerians today as a result of the policies of the federal government.”

The NLC President further urged the government to work alongside labour to finalise the N615,000 minimum wage as proposed by labour.

“Together, in a reasonable dialogue, we can work to give Nigerian workers an N615,000 National Minimum wage as proposed by us based on evidence and Data. This will be in keeping with the pledge of the President; his Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pledge to ensure a Living wage for Nigerian workers,” he said.