By Habeeb Ibrahim
The organized labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has reiterated its demand for a N250,000 minimum wage during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
This figure remains unchanged alongside the N62,000 proposal submitted by the tripartite committee until discussions conclude.
The meeting, held at the Presidential Villa and led by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo, was described as a discussion rather than a negotiation. Ajaero emphasized that the hour-long session was aimed at addressing fundamental issues, with both wage figures still on the table.
“In the real sense, it wasn’t a negotiation but a discussion and we have had that discussion. We agreed to look at the real terms probably and reconvene next week. So, that’s where we are because we didn’t go down there to talk naira and kobo,” Ajaero stated. “The status quo in terms of the amount N250,000 and N62,000 remains until we finish this conversation.”
Osifo highlighted the economic challenges facing Nigerians, noting that the delegation presented these concerns directly to President Tinubu. “We put the issues on the table, issues that are bothering and biting Nigerians today. The economic difficulties and the value of the naira, how it has also eroded, and how these have affected the prices of commodities and goods in the market,” he said.
The labour delegation sought to emphasize the urgency of addressing the economic hardships and the need for a substantial minimum wage increase. “We have had all the conversations with all his agents, but today we said let us meet with the father of the country and have this conversation and make the argument that labour always makes. We made all the arguments, the economic analysis, macro, micro, fiscal, and monetary issues,” Osifo added.
President Tinubu acknowledged the concerns and proposed further discussions to reach a resolution. The meeting was adjourned with plans to reconvene next week.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government expressed optimism about resolving the minimum wage impasse. Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Malagi and Labour and Employment (state) Minister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha conveyed this sentiment following the closed-door session with the President.
The tripartite committee on the new national minimum wage had previously submitted two figures in June: N62,000 proposed by the organized private sector and government team, and N250,000 demanded by the organized labour.
The disagreement over a uniform figure has delayed the President from submitting any figure to the National Assembly through an Executive Bill, as he continues consultations with relevant stakeholders.
