The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has distanced itself from the proposal of a new minimum wage set at N500,000. President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, clarified in an exclusive interview in Yola that the organization has not adopted a position on the amount to be presented to the tripartite committee responsible for determining the new minimum wage.
Ajaero addressed the figures of N500,000 and N700,000 circulating as potential minimum wages, stating that these proposals were collated at the state level. He emphasized that the NLC secretariat has not made any presentation, and the figures are derived from inputs gathered from different states.
While acknowledging the various proposals, Ajaero highlighted that the NLC would base its decision on economic parameters, taking into account the cost of living in different states and the exchange rate of the naira to the dollar. He stressed the importance of considering local economic conditions, such as rent disparities among states.
Ajaero explained that the determination of a new minimum wage would depend on how well the economy is managed, addressing underlying factors driving inflation. He advocated for a stable wage that reflects the economic realities in each state.
During the North East Zonal Public Hearing on the National Minimum Wage, Ajaero revealed that the existing minimum wage would expire on April 17, 2024. He asserted that if a new minimum wage is not agreed upon before this deadline, workers will demand arrears.
Dr. Solomon Bulus, the NMA chairman of Adamawa State, expressed support for the implementation of a N500,000 new minimum wage. Bulus emphasized that the prevalence of High Blood Pressure in the population is at 30%, and the new minimum wage could help alleviate national hardship. He argued that such an increase would not exacerbate economic challenges but contribute to the overall well-being of the populace.
