NLC angling for N1m minimum wage, up from N200,000 being negotiated
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Workers’ demand for N200,000 minimum monthly wage may rise to N1 million as Bola Tinubu’s “renewed hope” slogan has morphed into “renewed hardship” with economic mismanagement spreading hunger everywhere, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned.
NLC President Joe Ajaero disclosed on Arise TV the demand for a new minimum wage may increase from N200,000 to N1 million per month if the economy continues to suffer, citing growing inflation and naira devaluation as major drivers.
His words: “This N1 million may be relevant if the value of the Naira continues to depreciate; if inflation continues to appreciate. The demand of Labour is equally dependent on what is happening in the society.
“You will remember that by the time we were contemplating N200,000, the exchange rate was about N900. As we talk today, the exchange rate is about N1,400 or even more.
“Those are the issues that determine the demand and it is equally affecting the cost of living and we have always said it that our demand will be based on the cost of living index.
“You’ll agree with me that a bag of rice is about N60,000 to N70,000. [The price of] foodstuff is getting out of reach. Now, are we going to get a minimum wage that will not be enough for transportation even for one week?
“We have to factor in all these issues. And that will determine the federal government’s commitment to these negotiations.”
Ajaero made the point on the backdrop threats of strike by Labour.
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Labour accuses Abuja of failing to honour agrements
The federal government, NLC, and Trade Union Congress (TUC) are scheduled to meet today to discuss measures in response to a 14-day strike warning planned by Labour.
The unions accused Abuja of violating their previous agreements, including temporary wage awards for workers.
Ajaero added: “Only one month of the N35,000 naira was paid to civil servants. Also, there is no evidence of payment of any N25,000 paid as palliative to workers. That’s what led to what’s happening in the Humanitarian Ministry.
“No farmer has come to say that he received fertilisers from the government. I don’t know whether the fertilisers are for sale, or for cultivation.”