Labour Unions Reject Tinubu Administration’s Proposed N54,000 Minimum Wage Increase

Organised Labour has rejected the N54,000 minimum wage proposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.

In a meeting with Labour representatives, the federal government initially proposed N48,000, later increasing it to N54,000. However, a reliable source at the meeting reported that Organised Labour dismissed the new proposal, as it falls significantly short of the N615,000 demanded by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The closed-door meeting, held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja on Tuesday, has been adjourned to Wednesday, May 22, for further negotiations.

The Organised Labour, comprising the NLC and the TUC, had given the Federal Government until the end of May to conclude negotiations for a new minimum wage. Additionally, the unions have instructed their members in states that have not implemented the N30,000 minimum wage to prepare for industrial action.

The Federal Government failed to present a nationally acceptable minimum wage to Nigerians before May 1, Labour Day, resulting in increased tensions with labour unions. In response, NLC President Joe Ajaero has remained steadfast in demanding a N615,000 minimum wage, citing the worsening economic situation, rising cost of living, and the needs of an average Nigerian family of six.

With the cost of living escalating following the removal of the fuel subsidy, the call for a new minimum wage has dominated headlines in Nigeria. Ajaero and other labour leaders have given the Federal Government a deadline of May 31 to meet their demands.