In a continued standoff over the minimum wage in Nigeria, the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has reiterated their demand for a ₦250,000 ($545) minimum wage after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, spoke to reporters following the meeting, stating that the “status quo on ₦250,000 as minimum wage stands.” This position contrasts sharply with the agreement reached between the Federal Government and Organized Private Sector, which proposed a minimum wage of ₦62,000 ($135).
“We went for discussion, not negotiation,” Ajaero said, indicating that labour leaders were not willing to compromise on their demand. He added that the meeting with President Tinubu would continue next week, suggesting that the negotiations are still ongoing.
The TUC President, Festus Osifo, also confirmed that they discussed the minimum wage issue and presented their position to the President, but did not disclose further details of the closed-door meeting.
President Tinubu had earlier stated that he needed time to consult with other stakeholders before sending the bill for the new minimum wage to the National Assembly. This delay has clearly not resolved the impasse between the government and the labour unions.
The persistent disagreement over the minimum wage highlights the delicate balance the new administration must strike between the demands of workers and the economic realities facing the country. As the dialogue continues, Nigerians await a resolution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.