As the nationwide strike initiated by the Organized Labour continues to disrupt economic activities across Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to establishing a national minimum wage above ₦60,000.
This commitment was revealed by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, following an extensive meeting with labour leaders in Abuja late Monday.
The meeting included prominent figures such as the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo. Government representatives included Akume, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris Malagi, and Labour Minister Nkiruka Onyejeocha.
“The President is committed to a national minimum wage that is higher than ₦60,000,” Akume stated, reflecting the government’s position amidst ongoing negotiations and the current strike.
The strike, which commenced on Monday, June 3, 2024, has led to significant disruptions across various sectors, including businesses, airports, universities, hospitals, and power supply.
The NLC and TUC initiated the strike due to the government’s inability to agree on a new minimum wage and their demand for a reversal of the recent electricity tariff hike.
Labour unions argue that the current minimum wage of ₦30,000 is insufficient to support the average Nigerian worker, especially as some governors have failed to implement the existing wage.
The Minimum Wage Act of 2019, signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, mandates a review every five years to align with contemporary economic demands. With the current wage award having expired in April 2024, labour unions set a May 31 deadline for the government to establish a new minimum wage.
During negotiations, the government made several offers, the latest being ₦60,000, all of which were rejected by the NLC and TUC. The unions have steadfastly demanded a minimum wage of ₦494,000, citing the need for wages that reflect the rising cost of living and economic pressures faced by workers.
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