On Tuesday, Organized Labour turned down the Federal Government’s proposal of N54,000 as a new minimum wage. A leader from the labor group revealed this development during a phone conversation with Vanguard.
Previously, the government had proposed N48,000, which was also rejected. A top source on the negotiation committee told THE WHISTLER that the new offer of N54,000 does not reflect the hardships faced by Nigerians, indicating that it will not be accepted by labor.
“We were instructed not to speak to the media due to conflicting reports,” the source said. “They proposed N54,000, and we cannot accept that offer. The meeting has been adjourned to 4 pm tomorrow as some key stakeholders were absent.”
Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), continues to demand a minimum wage of N615,000. He argues this figure is based on the current economic situation and the needs of an average Nigerian family.
Ajaero criticized the government’s and the Organized Private Sector’s (OPS) roles in the negotiation breakdown, stating, “The government’s proposal of N48,000 is insulting and falls short of our needs and aspirations.”
He highlighted the disparity between the proposed government wage and the N78,000 minimum wage in the private sector, accusing employers and the government of unwillingness to negotiate fairly. Ajaero also criticized the lack of data supporting the government’s offer, which undermines trust and transparency in the negotiation process.