The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has firmly stated its rejection of the proposed N48,000 new minimum wage by the Federal Government. Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, emphasized in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH that rather than accept such a meager offer, the NLC would prefer to mobilize workers to stay at home with their families or provide free services.
This stance comes after negotiations between the NLC, Trade Union Congress, and the Federal Government hit a deadlock when the government offered N48,000, significantly lower than the N615,000 demanded by the unions. Labeling the offer as an insult to Nigerian workers, labour leaders walked away from the negotiation table, prompting an emergency press conference to express their discontent.
In response to the unions’ revolt, Alhaji Bukar Goni, Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, invited the aggrieved parties for further negotiations on Tuesday. However, Ndubuaku reiterated the NLC’s firm stance, asserting that they would not relent until a better offer is presented.
Expressing bewilderment at the government’s stance, Ndubuaku questioned whether the wage award was intended as a mere palliative. He highlighted discrepancies between the proposed wage and the cost of living, citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicating a much higher average for essential foodstuffs.
Looking ahead, Ndubuaku stressed the need for a comprehensive package addressing various socio-economic concerns, including food security, transportation subsidies, and health insurance. He emphasized that the upcoming negotiations on Tuesday must yield tangible results that match the aspirations of the people.
