FG, Labour to Resume Negotiations on Minimum Wage

By Iyojo Ameh

The federal government has extended an invitation to the Organised Labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), for renewed discussions on the new minimum wage.

Following the breakdown of talks on Tuesday, both parties are set to reconvene on Friday.

The government had proposed an increase to ₦60,000, which was rejected by Labour, prompting further negotiations.

With an ultimatum set by Labour expiring on Friday night, there’s a sense of urgency to reach a consensus.

A source revealed that the invitation was sent by the committee chairman and endorsed by the NSIWC chairman.

Despite the previous impasse, the source expressed optimism, stating, “Labour will attend.

If they present a better offer on Friday, we will accept it.”

During the previous meeting, Labour rejected the government’s proposal of ₦60,000, an increase from the initial ₦57,000 offer. In response, Labour made a slight concession by revising their demand from ₦497,000 to ₦494,000. This adjustment was made in an effort to expedite the negotiation process, as Labour had set a deadline for the end of the month.

The ultimatum issued by NLC and TUC, set to expire on Friday night, adds urgency to the negotiations. Both parties are under pressure to find common ground before the deadline, in order to avert potential industrial actions or disruptions.

As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the outcome of Friday’s discussions, with stakeholders hoping for a resolution that addresses the concerns of both the government and Labour.