Victor EzejaThere are indications that organised labour will reduce their minimum wage increase demand from ₦1 million to ₦500,000 as public hearing on the new wage framework begins today across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
Abuja, Adamawa, Kano, Enugu, Lagos and Akwa Ibom will serve as zonal centres of the meetings for North Central, North East, North West, South East, South West and South South respectively.
Prime Business Africa recalls that during an interview on Arise TV on February 11, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajero, had stated that organised labour could propose a new minimum wage of up to ₦1 million for Nigerian workers if the current inflation persists.
The comment generated mixed reactions with some saying ₦1 million is too much, considering the status of the economy and others saying it wasn’t looking at the unprecedented high cost of things in the country now.
During today’s meeting, the organized labor may negotiate for a sum of ₦500,000 following the submission of proposals by state chapters to the headquarters of the congress.
The upcoming public hearing on the proposed new minimum wage, scheduled to take place across all six geographical zones, will gather feedback from organized labor, state governors, government ministers, civil society organisations, and the private sector.
READ ALSO: New Minimum Wage Proposal Should Be Based On Nigeria’s Economic Realities, NACCIMA Tells NLC
The aim is to establish a new minimum wage that aligns with the current economic conditions and meets the expectations of workers.
The upcoming meeting in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, in the North-East will be presided over by Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
The South-West hearing in Lagos will be overseen by Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy.
Organised labour and the federal government has been at loggerhead over failure of the government to meet their demands.
NLC had last week (February 27 and 28) organised a nationwide protest after the 14-day ultimatum given to federal government to fulfill its promise as container in the agreement reached in October 2023.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
