Labour rejects FG's N48,000 and OPS N54,000 minimum wage proposals

Negotiations over Nigeria's national minimum wage encountered a significant hurdle as the Federal Government presented a proposal of N48,000, a figure starkly lower than the N615,000 demanded by the labour unions. This discrepancy led to an abrupt cessation of talks, with labour leaders expressing vehement opposition to what they perceived as an affront to the dignity of Nigerian workers.
The breakdown in negotiations prompted a swift response from labour representatives, who convened an emergency press conference to voice their dissatisfaction with the offer. They characterized the proposal as "an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerian workers" and lamented the lack of substantive data provided by the government to justify the figure.
Joe Ajaero, the National President of the NLC, outlined the rationale behind the union's demand for a higher wage, citing the escalating costs of living expenses such as housing, utilities, food, healthcare, education, and transportation. He emphasized the importance of a "living wage" that ensures workers can sustain themselves and their families without resorting to borrowing or compromising their well-being.
In contrast to the government's offer, Ajaero revealed that the organized private sector had initially proposed a slightly higher figure of N54,000. However, he criticized both the government and the private sector for their perceived reluctance to engage in genuine negotiations aimed at meeting the needs and aspirations of Nigerian workers.
The failure to reach a consensus on the minimum wage underscores deeper issues surrounding transparency, trust, and equitable representation in the negotiation process. Labour leaders underscored their unwavering commitment to advocating for a wage that reflects the true value of labor and safeguards the economic welfare of workers across the country.