By Friday Okeregbe and Donatus Anichukwueze Updated June 7, 2024
The Federal Government proposes a new minimum wage of N62,000, while organized labour demands N250,000, following extensive negotiations. The final decision now awaits President Tinubu’s approval and legislative action.
The Federal Government and the organized private sector have proposed a new minimum wage of N62,000, up from the previous N60,000 offer. This decision comes after extensive negotiations with the organized labour, which has now lowered its demand from N494,000 to N250,000.
Key Meeting and Proposal Details:
- Date and Location: The critical meeting took place on February 13, 2024, in Abuja, involving Minister of State for Labour and Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and NLC President Joe Ajaero.
- Outcome: The tripartite committee’s deliberations have concluded, and their recommendations will be forwarded to President Tinubu for an executive bill to the National Assembly.
Context and Reactions:
- Strike Action: Following the expiration of a labour ultimatum on May 31, workers went on strike starting June 3, which was later suspended on Tuesday after the government promised a revised minimum wage offer.
- Labour’s Stance: Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Festus Osifo emphasized on Channels Television’s Politics Today that a mere N2,000 addition is insufficient, stressing the need for a substantial increase.
- Governors’ Position: The 36 state governors, through a statement by Acting Director Halima Ahmed, expressed that even the proposed N60,000 is unsustainable for many states, urging the tripartite committee to agree on a fair and sustainable minimum wage.
Next Steps:
The recommendations will be forwarded to President Tinubu, who is expected to draft an executive bill for the National Assembly’s legislative action. The decision on the new minimum wage is now pending further government review and approval.
Sources:
- Okeregbe, Friday, and Donatus Anichukwueze. “FG Offers N62,000 As New Minimum Wage, Labour Demands N250,000.” Updated June 7, 2024.
- Channels Television’s Politics Today, June 2024.
- Statement by Halima Ahmed, Acting Director, Media Affairs and Public Relations of the Forum, June 2024.
