Labour Unions Agree to Resume Minimum Wage Negotiations on Tuesday
The Organised Labour has confirmed its participation in the upcoming Tripartite Committee meeting on the Minimum Wage scheduled for Tuesday.
This decision follows a walkout by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) from a previous negotiation session due to disagreements over the Federal Government’s proposed minimum wage.
Mr. Etim Okon, Vice President of the TUC, announced the unions’ decision in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja. Okon explained that the unions had initially rejected the government’s proposal of N48,000, considering it inadequate to meet workers’ needs. He noted, “The proposal falls significantly short of meeting our needs and aspirations.”
The unions accused the government of lacking transparency and failing to provide data to justify their offer. “The lack of substantiated data exacerbates the situation, and a lack of transparency and good faith undermines the credibility of the negotiation process,” Okon added.
Following an apology from the Federal Government, Labour has agreed to return to the negotiating table. “The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, and we are going to appear and present our demand. We will still be presenting the N615,000. It is what we presented before we walked out,” Okon stated. He emphasized that the unions’ proposal considers essential expenses such as transportation, housing, food, utilities, health, and education.
Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), also expressed optimism about the upcoming meeting. He noted that while all parties have valid figures reflecting their realities, the goal is to reach a consensus. “There will be a lot of give-and-take. Also, there will be a consensus on what the National Minimum Wage will be, and the committee will then make a recommendation to Mr. President,” Oyerinde said.
