National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have issued a stern warning that they will resume their nationwide industrial action if the Federal Government and National Assembly fail to meet their demands by Tuesday.
Chris Onyeka, Assistant General Secretary of the NLC, stated that the government has one week to respond to their demands, which expires on Tuesday. If there is no tangible response, the organised labour unions will convene to decide on their next steps.
Onyeka emphasised that labour will not accept any “starvation wage” below their latest demand of ₦250,000, which they consider a living wage for the average Nigerian worker.
He stressed that they will not negotiate a wage that fails to meet workers’ basic needs, citing the high cost of living and inflationary pressures.
The ongoing impasse over a new minimum wage has sparked a nationwide strike, with labour unions demanding a wage that reflects the current economic realities.
The current minimum wage of ₦30,000 expires in April 2024, prompting labour to seek a significant increase to support workers’ well-being.
The Federal Government and Organised Private Sector have offered ₦62,000, which labour has rejected as inadequate.
The President has directed the Minister of Finance to present a template for a new minimum wage, but labour remains firm in their demand.
The strike has disrupted businesses, hospitals, airports, and other essential services, with labour vowing to continue the action until their demands are met.
The situation remains tense, with both sides entrenched, leaving the fate of Nigerian workers uncertain.
The NLC and TUC argue that the proposed ₦62,000 does not adequately address the challenges faced by workers, especially given the rising costs of goods and services.
They asserted that a minimum wage of ₦250,000 is necessary to ensure a decent standard of living for workers and their families.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the Federal Government and National Assembly to see if they will meet the demands of the labour unions and prevent a fresh wave of strikes.
The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the economic and social stability of the nation, as well as the livelihood of millions of Nigerian workers.
