Nigeria Union Reject N48,000 Minimum

In a recent development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have rejected the Federal Government’s proposal to set the new national minimum wage at N48,000. This decision came after a meeting on May 15, 2024, where the government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) presented their offers.

The government proposed a minimum wage of N48,000, which was deemed “ridiculous” and “not just a mockery but an insult to workers’ dignity” by the NLC and TUC. The unions had proposed a N615,000 minimum wage, citing the high cost of living as the yardstick for their proposal. The OPS, on the other hand, proposed N54,000, with the least paid workers in the private sector receiving N78,000.

In protest against the government’s offer, the NLC and TUC walked out of the meeting. They described the government’s proposal as “not just a mockery but an insult to workers’ dignity” and criticized the government for its lack of transparency and good faith in the negotiation process.

The NLC and TUC have called for an emergency press briefing to present the Federal Government’s proposal at the meeting to pay workers the minimum wage and their next line of action. The unions have also given the government till the end of May to arrive at a decision, warning that they will decide at the ultimatum’s expiration.

This standoff highlights the ongoing struggle between the Nigerian government and labor unions over fair wages and working conditions. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of the NLC and TUC and whether a compromise can be reached to avoid potential strikes or further disruptions.