The long-awaited negotiations between the Nigerian government and labour unions over a new national minimum wage are set to conclude today, as labour leaders return from an international conference in Geneva.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had proposed a minimum wage of 250,000 naira ($540 USD) per month, a significant increase from the current 30,000 naira ($65 USD) minimum.
NLC President Joe Ajaero and other senior union representatives attended a labour conference hosted by the International Labour Organization in Geneva, Switzerland last week. The labour leaders are now set to convene a National Executive Council meeting to decide on their next steps, taking into account any proposal from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The labour unions had previously set a Monday deadline for finalizing the minimum wage discussions. A failure to reach an agreement could potentially trigger nationwide strikes and protests by Nigerian workers.
The outcome of these high-stakes negotiations will have major implications for Nigeria’s economic and political landscape. With inflation and the cost of living continuing to rise, labour unions are demanding a minimum wage that provides a decent standard of living for Nigerian workers and their families.
As the talks reach a pivotal moment, all eyes will be on the Nigerian government and labour movement to see if they can find a compromise that meets the needs of workers while also considering the country’s broader economic challenges.