The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address its demands for a minimum wage that reflects the practical realities in the country. This comes after President Tinubu, during a meeting with governors and National Assembly members on Democracy Day, stated that the government could only pay what it can afford, which the NLC criticized as contradictory to his promise of providing a living wage.
NLC spokesperson Benson Upah emphasized that the President’s statement conflicts with his previous commitment to paying a living wage, superior to the minimum wage. Upah highlighted the general consensus that the government must meet the labor demands based on current economic realities. Despite President Tinubu’s announcement of an agreement on a new minimum wage during his national broadcast, the NLC contends that no such agreement has been reached.
Acting NLC President Adewale Adeyanju clarified that the Organised Labour’s demand remains ₦250,000, rejecting any lesser figure. Adeyanju expressed surprise at the President’s claim of a consensus, insisting there was no agreement with the Federal Government’s Tripartite Committee. He called for immediate clarification to prevent misunderstandings regarding the ongoing minimum wage negotiations.