Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Labour Threatens Showdown As Talks On Minimum Wage Collapse

The Nigerian organised labour group, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has threatened to paralyze the country's economy if the federal government remains unable to offer a living wage for Nigerian workers. The warning was issued after talks on the minimum wage among tripartite committee members collapsed, leading to the meeting being adjourned "sine die" (indefinitely). The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress leaders had previously walked out on the government representatives for offering a "paltry N48,000". After the deadlocking meeting, the government jacked up the minimum wage to N54,000, which the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress members were unhappy with. The government's offer of N60,000 was rejected by the labour leaders, who argued that the current inflation is not decreasing and that the N60,000 cannot buy a bag of rice. Efforts to reach the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress Presidents and the Head of Information at Nigeria Labour Congress Headquarters were unsuccessful.

Isamotu Idowu | Government /Labour | Daily Trust | Wednesday, May 29, 2024