The national minimum wage negotiations hit another snag, as reported by Vanguard, following a two-day delay in proceedings. In the latest meeting, the Federal Government’s negotiating team raised its offer by N2,000, bringing the total minimum wage proposal to N62,000, while Organised Labour adjusted its demand from N494,000 to N250,000. This adjustment came after state governors earlier expressed their inability to meet even the initially proposed N60,000 minimum wage by the federal government.
The Organised Private Sector (OPS) reportedly supported the government’s revised offer. However, disagreement arose among stakeholders, leading to an adjournment of the Tripartite Committee on the New National Minimum Wage. A source disclosed that while the Labour Party insisted on N250,000, the government proposed N62,000, with the final decision expected to be presented to the President for further consideration.
The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) had previously opposed the proposed N60,000 minimum wage, citing concerns over its sustainability. They argued that such an increase would compel states to resort to borrowing to meet monthly salary obligations, hindering development projects. The NGF emphasised the necessity for a realistic and enduring agreement to prevent excessive allocation of funds to salaries at the expense of development initiatives.
Meanwhile, organised labour, including the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), called off a five-day strike on Monday. This decision followed discussions with the Federal Government, where President Bola Tinubu pledged to increase the proposed minimum wage to over N60,000. Additionally, the NLC condemned statements attributed to Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), regarding the national grid shutdown during the strike, emphasising the need for constructive dialogue without intimidation or reprisals.……..See More
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