Amidst the ongoing nationwide strike by the Organized Labour over demands for a new minimum wage, the Federal Government has announced that President Bola Tinubu is dedicated to establishing a national minimum wage above ₦60,000. This announcement was made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, following an extensive meeting with labour leaders in Abuja late Monday.
Akume conveyed the President’s commitment, stating, “President Tinubu is committed to a national minimum wage that is higher than ₦60,000.” He further explained that a tripartite committee would meet daily for the next week to negotiate and agree on a suitable national minimum wage.
In response to the President’s commitment, the Organized Labour has agreed to promptly convene a meeting of its organs to consider this proposal. Present at the meeting were key figures from both the government and labour unions, including the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo. Government representatives included George Akume, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris Malagi, and Labour Minister Nkiruka Onyejeocha.
The indefinite strike, which began on Monday, has severely disrupted essential services such as businesses, airports, universities, hospitals, and power supply. The NLC and TUC argue that the current minimum wage of ₦30,000 is insufficient for the average Nigerian worker, pointing out that many state governors have failed to implement the existing wage, which was due for review in April 2024.
In response to these grievances, Labour had set a May 31 deadline for the Federal Government to introduce a new minimum wage. When the deadline passed without resolution, Labour initiated the strike on June 3, 2024, after rejecting multiple government offers, including the most recent proposal of ₦60,000. The unions are demanding a significantly higher minimum wage of ₦494,000, leading to a stalemate in negotiations.
This strike highlights the ongoing struggle for fair wages in Nigeria and underscores the urgent need for a resolution that meets the economic demands of workers while maintaining the country’s economic stability.
