Organized Labor stands firm on its proposal for a new minimum wage of N250,000, rejecting what it calls a “starvation wage.” Chris Onyeka, the Assistant General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, emphasized that the latest offers of ₦62,000 and ₦100,000 were unacceptable.

During the ongoing International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, NLC President Joe Ajaero indicated that labor leaders await President Bola Tinubu’s consideration of their proposal.

The Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage submitted its report to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Monday, according to Segun Imohiosen, the Director of Information and Public Relations for the OSGF. The report will be formally presented to the President upon the return of organized labor leaders from Switzerland.

Labor representatives maintain that their demand for ₦250,000 is reasonable, considering the cost of living. Onyeka stressed that negotiations must align with workers’ needs, citing everyday expenses like food items.

With a one-week ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, labor unions warn of resuming nationwide industrial action if their demands are not met.

Awaiting the President’s decision on proposed figures from the tripartite committee, Ajaero clarified that labor’s acceptance of ₦62,000 as the new minimum wage hinges on official communication from the President.

Ajaero criticized state governors for rejecting the ₦62,000 proposal and called for equitable wage distribution, especially among governors with varying revenue sources.

Benson Upah, the NLC’s information department head, attributed economic challenges to government mismanagement rather than wage issues. He accused certain governors of obstructing negotiations and urged for fair consideration of labor’s demands.