The Labour Party in Nigeria has urged workers’ unions to reconsider their approach and engage in fresh negotiations with the government regarding a new minimum wage instead of resorting to industrial action.
Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, emphasized this stance during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos State on Monday. Ifoh stressed that a strike should be avoided as it would only worsen the already challenging situation for Nigerians.
Expressing concern over the demand for a minimum wage of N494,000, Ifoh labeled it as unrealistic and unsustainable, cautioning that such a figure would strain Nigeria’s financial resources excessively. He advocated for ongoing negotiations between labour unions and the Federal Government until a mutually agreeable figure is reached.
Ifoh highlighted the adverse impact of a nationwide strike on various aspects of life, including the cost of living, underscoring the necessity for continuous dialogue. He also criticized the government’s handling of the wage issue, suggesting that more effort is needed to address workers’ concerns effectively.
The Labour Party’s position comes amidst the commencement of an indefinite strike by organised labour, following unsuccessful negotiations with the government. Despite the government’s revised offer of N60,000, which was initially N57,000, labour unions remained unsatisfied, pushing for higher wage levels.
The history of negotiations reveals a significant gap between the proposals of both parties, with labour initially advocating for a minimum wage as high as ₦615,000 before eventually revising it downwards. However, disagreements persist, reflecting the challenges in reaching a consensus amidst rising living costs.
In conclusion, the Labour Party underscores the importance of avoiding actions that could exacerbate hardship for Nigerians while advocating for sustained dialogue to resolve the minimum wage impasse.
