NLC to Reopen Talks With FG, Demands N500,000 Minimum Wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to reopen negotiations with the Federal Government over the national minimum wage, arguing that the current N70,000 benchmark has been overtaken by rising living costs.

ADVERTISE HERE:
[email protected]

The labour centre’s position has strengthened calls for a significant wage increase, with a coalition of left-wing groups demanding that the new minimum wage should be at least N500,000.

NLC President Joe Ajaero disclosed the plan at the Rights of Workers Summit held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, over the weekend.

Ajaero, who was represented at the event by NLC Deputy President Audu Amba, said workers should prepare for another round of discussions with the government.

According to him, the purchasing power of the N70,000 minimum wage has declined sharply as inflation continues to push up the cost of necessities.

He maintained that any new wage arrangement must reflect the economic realities facing Nigerian workers, stressing that the existing figure can no longer adequately support their daily needs.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) also backed the call for better pay, highlighting the pressure created by rising food prices, transportation costs, rent and other household expenses.

TUC President Festus Osifo, represented by the union’s Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, urged employers to comply with labour laws and provide workers with fair wages and improved welfare.

The union argued that stagnant incomes have left many workers struggling to cope with expenses that have increased considerably in recent years.

Meanwhile, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris expressed support for efforts to improve workers’ earnings.

Represented at the summit, the governor said better remuneration was necessary to improve the welfare of Nigerian workers. 

He also pledged to support initiatives aimed at securing improved pay for employees.

As the labour movement prepares for fresh negotiations, the Network of Abuja Left Groups has urged Nigerians to support the demand for a N500,000 minimum wage.

In a statement jointly signed by representatives of six civil society and socialist organisations, the group said the wage dispute should not be treated as an issue affecting only government employees.

It described the demand as part of a wider struggle against declining living standards and economic hardship.

The coalition also urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory and Nigerians across the country to mobilise behind organised labour as the August 11 deadline approaches.

According to the group, increasing workers’ incomes could have effects beyond individual households by strengthening consumer spending across the economy.

It argued that workers with greater purchasing power would be better positioned to patronise farmers, traders, transport operators, artisans and small businesses.

The groups also pointed to the rising prices of food, electricity, cooking gas, medicines, school fees and transportation as evidence of the growing gap between wages and the cost of living.

With the NLC preparing to return to the negotiating table, pressure is now mounting on the Federal Government to agree to a wage package that labour unions consider capable of addressing the economic realities confronting Nigerian workers.

The outcome of the proposed negotiations could determine whether workers receive a substantial increase in earnings or continue under the current N70,000 minimum wage framework.