Organized labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), may declare a fresh industrial strike or take other strict actions today, pending President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly’s response to the stalled negotiations on a new minimum wage. Last week, the federal government and labour unions failed to reach an agreement on the national minimum wage (NNMW), leading to a deadlock.
Industry experts and financial analysts have warned that the economy is facing significant challenges, with minimum wage demands and the potential return of the fuel subsidy complicating recovery prospects. The tripartite committee on NNMW saw significant differences in offers between the federal government and organized labour, with the government’s revised offer of N62,000 falling far short of labour’s demand for N250,000.
A labour negotiating team member indicated that the next steps depend on President Tinubu and the National Assembly’s actions. Organized labour has accused the federal government, state governors, and the Organized Private Sector (OPS) of conspiring to prevent reasonable wage increases. The outcome of today’s negotiations will determine labour’s next move, with the potential for significant industrial actions if demands are not met.