Organised Labour in Nigeria remains firm on its demand for a new minimum wage of ₦250,000, rejecting lower offers from the government and economists. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), represented by Assistant General Secretary Chris Onyeka, has dismissed the latest proposals of ₦62,000 and ₦100,000 as insufficient to meet workers’ needs.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, speaking from the International Labour Conference in Geneva, expressed anticipation for President Bola Tinubu’s response to labour’s proposal. The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) announced that the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage had submitted its report on Monday, awaiting the President’s consideration once union leaders return from Switzerland.
Last week, the committee concluded discussions with the Federal Government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS), agreeing on ₦62,000. However, the labour unions continue to demand ₦250,000. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, in contrast, argues that any wage above ₦60,000 is unsustainable.
SGF Director of Information and Public Relations Segun Imohiosen confirmed that the committee’s report would be presented to the President upon the return of labour leaders. Imohiosen extended gratitude to committee chairman Bukar Aji and members for their dedication.
On Channels Television’s ‘Morning Brief’, Onyeka reiterated labour’s stance against a ‘starvation wage’. “Our position is very clear. We have never considered accepting ₦62,000 or any other wage below what Nigerian workers can take home. We will not negotiate a starvation wage,” he stated, adding that ₦250,000 remains their non-negotiable demand, grounded in the realities of everyday market costs.
Onyeka warned that the one-week ultimatum given to the Federal Government would expire by midnight on Tuesday, with potential resumption of nationwide industrial action if demands are unmet. “The Federal Government and the National Assembly have the call now. If no tangible response is seen by tomorrow, the organs of organised labour will decide our next move,” he said.
Addressing journalists in Geneva, Ajaero clarified that labour’s proposal of ₦250,000 stands firm against the government’s ₦62,000 offer. He noted that President Tinubu has yet to communicate his decision, preventing immediate strike action. “The tripartite committee submitted two figures: ₦62,000 from the government and employers, and ₦250,000 from labour. We await the President’s decision,” Ajaero explained, expressing hope for a favourable outcome.
Ajaero also criticised state governors for their rejection of the ₦62,000 minimum wage proposal, highlighting the disparity in governance and financial management across states. “Governors cannot call for decentralisation of the minimum wage while their salaries remain centralised,” he said, commending Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki for paying ₦70,000 as a model to emulate.
Benson Upah, head of information for the NLC, blamed government mismanagement for economic hardships, arguing for fair wages and decrying the disparity between affluent officials and impoverished workers. “It is undemocratic and against the grain of civilisation,” he asserted on Arise News.
Upah cautioned that the joint National Executive Council of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and NLC anticipated government bad faith but chose to pause strike action in good faith. “Our resources and reaction time are intact, but the government is not serious,” he said, accusing certain governors of undermining wage negotiations with “mischief”.
The NLC stands ready for further negotiations, insisting on practical and reasonable demands. “The appropriate organs of labour will meet and decide the next steps. We are ready for negotiations in good faith,” Upah concluded.
