The national minimum wage negotiations reached an impasse yesterday as Labour representatives walked out after the Federal Government proposed a new monthly wage of N48,000.
Labour leaders decried the offer as effectively a pay cut and far from a living wage.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) emphasised that the government’s proposal did not match the current N77,000 federal workers receive, which includes the N30,000 mandated by law, a N12,000 peculiar allowance, and a N35,000 wage award.
The contentious proposal was presented during a virtual meeting of the tripartite committee on the new minimum wage. This committee, inaugurated on January 30 by Vice President Kashim Shettima, includes representatives from the federal and state governments, the private sector, and Labour. It is chaired by the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Goni Aji.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had previously assured workers of a living wage during his May Day address. However, Labour’s demand for N615,000, citing the high cost of living, starkly contrasts with the government’s proposal.
In a joint statement, NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC Deputy President Tommy Okon criticised the government’s offer as an insult to workers’ dignity. They also expressed disappointment with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association’s (NECA) proposal of N54,000, noting that even the lowest-paid private sector workers earn N78,000.
“The government’s proposal of N48,000 not only insults the sensibilities of Nigerian workers but also falls significantly short of our needs and aspirations,” the statement read. “Despite efforts to reach an equitable agreement, the less-than-reasonable actions of the Government and the Organized Private Sector (OPS) led to a breakdown in negotiations.”
Labour leaders condemned the government’s failure to provide data to support their offer, which they argued undermined the negotiation process. They reiterated their stance that accepting a proposal resulting in reduced income for federal workers would be unacceptable.
“In light of these developments, and to prevent negotiating a wage deduction, the NLC and TUC have decided to walk out of the negotiation process,” the statement continued. The labour groups remain committed to advocating for Nigerian workers and are open to further dialogue if the government demonstrates a serious commitment to a fair resolution.
Labour leaders called on the government to reconsider its position and engage in sincere negotiations reflecting the true value of workers’ contributions and the current socioeconomic realities. They urged for a minimum wage of N615,000, aligning with President Tinubu’s pledge for a living wage.
