Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has expressed the government’s stance on the demand by Organised Labour for a N494,000 national minimum wage, stating that it is not feasible.
According to Idris, this demand, which totals N9.5 trillion annually, poses a significant risk to the economy and the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, Idris called attention to the government’s offer of a N60,000 minimum wage, which represents a 100 per cent increase on the existing minimum wage.
He stressed that while the government recognises the importance of adequate remuneration for workers, it cannot support a wage increase that could result in widespread job losses, particularly in the private sector.
Idris appealed to Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) to reconsider their demands and engage in constructive negotiations, keeping in mind the principles of affordability, sustainability, and the overall health of the economy.
He reassured workers that the government remains committed to their welfare, maintaining the current wage award of N35,000 for federal workers until a new national minimum wage is agreed upon.
His words:
“The Federal Government’s new minimum wage proposal amounts to a 100% increase on the existing minimum wage of 2019. Labour, however, wants N494,000, which would be a 1,547% increase on the existing wage.
“The sum of N494,000 national minimum wage which Labour is seeking would cumulatively amount to N9.5 trillion for the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Nigerians need to understand that while the FG desires ample remuneration for Nigerian workers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not encourage any action that could lead to massive job loss, especially in the private sector, which may not be able to pay the wage demanded by organised labour,” he said.
News Central reports that the Organised Labour announced an indefinite strike shortly after the last Tripartite Committee meeting on new national minimum wage reached a deadlock.
The nationwide strike, which threatens total shutdown across the country, is scheduled to commence on Monday, June 3, 2024.