Negotiations on the new national minimum wage encountered a setback as the Federal Government’s team did not present a new offer beyond the previously stated ₦60,000. This delay comes after President Bola Tinubu directed Finance Minister Wale Edun to finalize the cost implications of a new wage and submit a realistic proposal.
The President’s directive, issued on Tuesday, emphasized the urgency of having a new offer ready by Wednesday to facilitate resumed negotiations with Organised Labour. Despite this, the government team was unprepared with an updated proposal during the negotiation meeting that resumed at 3:30 pm on Wednesday.
Sources close to the negotiations revealed that the lack of a new offer hindered progress. The meeting was adjourned to allow the Finance Minister time to meet the President’s deadline. The talks are set to resume today at 2 pm, with expectations that the government will have a revised proposal ready.