Emmanuel OchayiIn response to reports, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has denied settling on an N100,000 minimum wage.
Speaking to PrimeBusiness Africa on Saturday, an NLC official dismissed the rumors as “fake news” and emphasized that the Congress’s strategy remains confidential.
“Under the current economic conditions, there is no way N100,000 minimum wage will help any Nigerian,” stated the official. The NLC highlighted the impracticality of the proposed amount, citing the high cost of living in Nigeria. “How much is a bag of rice in the market? If you buy one bag of rice at N70,000, how much will you have left to pay for your utility bills, school fees, transportation, and even for your medicals?”
The NLC’s concerns reflect the broader economic struggles faced by many Nigerians. The official explained that before proposing a new minimum wage of N615,000, the Congress conducted extensive surveys across the country to understand the financial realities workers face.
“We have our next plans kept close to our chests. We have learned our lessons from previous negotiations,” the official continued. The NLC is wary of misinformation and attempts to undermine its efforts. “We are aware that some people are planting stories in the media to discredit labour, but we will not be deterred.”
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The Congress’s cautious approach comes as it prepares for a crucial meeting on Monday, where the National Executive Committee will review ongoing negotiations and deliberate on the next steps. This meeting is expected to address the broader implications of the current economic crisis and set the stage for future actions.
The minimum wage debate in Nigeria is not new. Previous discussions have often led to strikes and industrial actions. Recently, labour walked out on the federal government over a proposal for an N48,000 minimum wage, signaling ongoing dissatisfaction with the government’s offers.
As the NLC prepares for its upcoming meeting, workers across the country await the outcome. The official’s statements underscore the Congress’s commitment to securing a wage that meets the basic needs of Nigerian families amidst the rising cost of living. The NLC’s insistence on a higher minimum wage reflects the dire economic situation and the urgent need for a sustainable solution.
For now, the Congress remains tight-lipped about its next move, keeping stakeholders and observers on edge. The outcome of Monday’s meeting could significantly impact the country’s labour landscape, determining the direction of future negotiations and potential industrial actions.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
