The ongoing negotiations for a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers have hit another major roadblock as labour leaders once again rejected the federal government’s latest proposal.
With the May 31 deadline looming, tensions are high as the Tripartite Committee struggles to reach an agreement.
News About Nigeria reports that during a crucial meeting on Tuesday, May 28, organised labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), turned down the government’s offer of N60,000.
This rejection follows a series of proposals and counterproposals between the two parties over the past few weeks.
Initially, the government had put forward N48,000 and later N54,000, both of which were declined by the labour leaders.
An offer of N57,000 was similarly dismissed.
In contrast, organised labour initially demanded N615,000 but revised their stance to N497,000 last week and further adjusted it to N494,000 during Tuesday’s meeting.
A member of the Tripartite Committee, who spoke during the ongoing negotiations, expressed frustration at the lack of progress, noting that time is running out to reach a consensus before the deadline.
Labour unions have begun mobilising their members for massive protests across the country should the federal government fail to agree on a new minimum wage before the May 31 deadline.
Meanwhile, organised labour in Abia State has demanded immediate action from Governor Alex Otti regarding the full payment of the N30,000 national minimum wage and the N35,000 palliative wage award, which were approved by the federal government.
The labour unions have issued a 14-day ultimatum for the state to comply.
In a letter addressed to Governor Otti, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Abia State said that implementing the agreed-upon wages is urgent.
They noted that these payments were approved eight months ago by the federal government, and a committee was established to create a salary structure based on the N30,000 minimum wage, which the state government has yet to act on.
