TUC Insists on ₦250,000 Minimum Wage

Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has insisted that ₦250,000 is the right minimum wage for workers in Nigeria.

He made this statement at the first Annual Convention of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Women Commission.

Osifo made it clear that the negotiations for a new wage are still ongoing. He said, “The minimum wage talks are not over.

It took about two years to agree on the 2019 minimum wage. We started in 2017. This time, we promised to move faster so it doesn’t take that long again.”

He explained that the current quiet from labour unions is to give President Bola Tinubu time to talk to all stakeholders.

“In June, we gave our different views. Mr. President wants to talk to governors, local government leaders, private sector bosses, and labour unions.

We are having many discussions to make sure the new wage will help the poorest workers. We still believe ₦250,000 is the right amount,” Osifo said.

Labour Rejects Government’s Minimum Wage Offer

In June, the Federal Government and private sector agreed on a new minimum wage of ₦62,000. However, labour unions rejected this offer, saying it was too low.

The government asked the unions to accept the ₦62,000, arguing that it was the only amount that would not lead to job losses. Despite this, the unions continue to push for a ₦250,000 wage.

The negotiations are important to ensure that Nigerian workers can earn enough to live decently. The labour unions are committed to achieving a fair wage for all workers.