NLC Turns Down FG’s N60,000 Wage Proposal, Demands N494,000

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has firmly rejected the Federal Government’s revised minimum wage proposal. Despite an increase from N57,000 to N60,000, the labour unions remain steadfast, demanding a significant raise to N494,000.

The tripartite committee meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday was charged with expectations as the government unveiled its new proposal. However, the added N3,000 did little to sway organized labor leaders, including the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). 

From their previous position of N497,000, the unions only lowered their demand by N3,000, indicating a small window for negotiation but a large gap in expectations.

A source at the meeting shared that the government’s proposal “did not go down well” with the labour representatives. Their stance was clear; for every increase from the government, the unions would consider lowering their demands. “This is simply a case of if they go higher, we will go lower. They need to propose something reasonable for us to propose something lower too. There is no two-way about it,” said a union member.

The unions have a methodical approach to these negotiations. Meeting as members before each committee discussion ensures they present a united front. “As long as the government is ready to present something reasonable, we will meet them in the middle,” a labour leader explained. This strategy underlines their determination to secure a fair wage that reflects the economic realities faced by Nigerian workers.