In a bold move, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to mobilize workers to stay home or provide free services rather than accept the Federal Government’s proposed N48,000 minimum wage. This declaration was made by NLC Deputy President Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku in an exclusive interview.
Last Wednesday, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress walked out of negotiations when the government offered the insufficient sum, a far cry from the N615,000 demanded by the unions. Calling the offer “an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerian workers,” labor leaders vowed not to back down.
Despite the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage inviting the unionists for another negotiation on Tuesday, Ndubuaku insists on a substantial improvement. He criticized the government’s lack of understanding and proper planning, highlighting the disconnection between the government’s proposal and the realities faced by workers.
The NLC is prepared for drastic measures if their demands are not met by the end of the month, indicating a significant showdown in the ongoing wage negotiations.