NLC, TUC Rejects N100,000 Minimum Wage Proposal, Gives Reason

The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has firmly rejected the proposed N62,000 minimum wage, insisting that N100,000 is also unacceptable. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision on the new minimum wage will determine the unions’ next steps.

The 37-member Tripartite Committee on the new national minimum wage submitted its report to President Tinubu on Monday, June 10, after five months of deliberation. The committee presented two figures: the Federal Government and private sector’s proposal of N62,000, and the organized labour’s revised demand of N250,000, down from an initial N494,000. NLC President Joe Ajaero, speaking from Geneva, Switzerland, emphasized that organized labour is awaiting President Tinubu’s decision before taking further action. Ajaero made it clear that the labour unions would not accept the N100,000 proposal suggested by some individuals and economists.

“Our National Executive Council (NEC) will deliberate on the new figure once it is revealed by the president,” Ajaero stated. “We cannot declare a strike now because the figures are with the president. We will wait for the president’s decision. We are hopeful that this president will do the right thing.” Ajaero also explained that the NLC cannot declare a strike currently because the proposals are still under review by the president. The NLC NEC will convene to discuss the new minimum wage figure once it is announced by President Tinubu