Negotiations for a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers have restarted, with representatives from organized labour, the private sector, and both federal and state governments reconvening at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja on Wednesday. The Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage resumed discussions to establish a new wage floor for workers in the nation.
Key delegates from the Federal Government, including the Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Minister of Budget and National Planning Atiku Bagudu, and Minister of State for Labour Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, were present. They were joined by representatives from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Head of Service of the Federation. Organized Labour was represented by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero and Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Festus Osifo. Although no state governors attended, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Director General, Abdulateef Shittu, participated in the discussions.
Following an agreement to suspend an indefinite strike on Tuesday, it was decided that the committee would meet daily for one week to finalize a new minimum wage. President Bola Tinubu has instructed the committee to expedite the process and submit their calculations promptly. He reaffirmed his commitment to a wage exceeding ₦60,000, with the TUC and NLC expressing willingness to adjust their initial demand of ₦494,000. Wednesday’s meeting marked the first session since the agreement was signed to continue negotiations.