The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has defended the federal government’s proposal of a N60,000 national minimum wage, stating that the labour union’s demand of N494,000 would be detrimental to the Nigerian economy.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Idris explained that the government’s offer represents a 100% increase from the existing minimum wage of 2019. In contrast, the N494,000 wage demanded by organized labour would result in a staggering 1,547% hike, amounting to a cumulative cost of N9.5 trillion to the federal government.

“Nigerians need to understand that whereas the FG is desirous of ample remuneration for Nigerian workers, what is most critical is that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not encourage any action that could lead to massive job loss, especially in the private sector, who may not be able to pay the wage demanded by the organised labour,” Idris stated.

The minister emphasized that the government’s focus is on the overall welfare of the nation’s 200 million citizens, rather than just the take-home pay of 1.2 million workers. He appealed to organized labour to return to the negotiating table and accept a reasonable and sustainable wage increase.

Idris also announced that the current wage award of N35,000 for federal workers will continue until a new national minimum wage is introduced.