Minimum Wage Talks Could Be Delayed as Leaders Leave Country

The Federal Government and Organized Labor were set to conclude talks on the new minimum wage today. However, the ongoing International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, may stall these negotiations.

Many labor leaders and representatives of the tripartite committee handling the negotiations have left the country for the conference.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) await President Bola Tinubu’s decision on their proposal for a N250,000 minimum wage.

Deadline for Minimum Wage Talks

The labor leaders had set a Monday deadline for these discussions.

Last Friday, the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage finished its meetings, where the Federal Government and the Organized Private Sector agreed on N62,000, while Labour demanded N250,000.

However, the Nigeria Governors Forum said that any minimum wage over N60,000 would be unsustainable.

On Sunday, labor leaders said they are waiting for President Tinubu to decide on the proposals. 

NLC President Joe Ajaero and other top union officials are attending a labor conference in Geneva, Switzerland, organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

“We have submitted the report to the president and are waiting for his decision. That is the most important thing and that is what we are all waiting for,” a top NLC official said.

Next Steps and Possible Strike

After returning from Geneva, labor leaders will hold a National Executive Council meeting to decide on the next steps, including a potential strike, based on the president’s decision.

“We should hold a National Executive Council meeting regarding the ultimatum when we return from Geneva.

It is very important for us to be there but right now, we are patiently waiting for the decision of Mr. President,” another source within the NLC stated.

Last week, the NLC and TUC held a two-day nationwide strike, demanding a new minimum wage and the reversal of the electricity tariff hike.

The strike was paused for five days after an agreement with the Federal Government to continue talks and finalize a new minimum wage within a week.

President Tinubu directed Finance Minister Wale Edun to present the cost implications of a new minimum wage within two days.

The finance minister and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, presented the cost implications to Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Thursday.

The president is now reviewing the proposal and is expected to make an official announcement soon.

The outcome of these talks will determine the next steps for labor leaders and their potential impact on Nigeria’s workforce. The nation eagerly awaits the resolution of this important issue.