Minimum Wage: NLC Reject Government Response to Ultimatum

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) don reject Federal Government response to dia 14-day ultimatum. Dis one don raise fear say nationwide strike fit happen if dem no settle di matter wey concern workers’ demands.

Di labour union, for one letter wey dem write on October 13 and wey dia President, Joe Ajaero, sign, criticize government position say e go early to begin negotiation for new national minimum wage before June 2027.

NLC argue say dem suppose start preparation for new minimum wage agreement immediately. Dem insist say as prices of things dey increase, di current ₦70,000 minimum wage no dey enough again.

Di letter talk say, “Congress notice say, for di first time for recent history, di Ministry don respond to our resolutions within short time.”

Di letter continue say, “But even though we appreciate say dem respond quickly, we must point out say quick response without any meaningful action fit just be empty promise.”

Di NLC ultimatum, wey start on October 9, demand make government reduce petrol price go back to di level wey e dey when dem sign di current minimum wage into law for 2024.

Di union also want government to implement tax relief measures wey dem agree on for 2023, pay workers extra wage immediately to help dem cope with di rising cost of living, and implement agreements wey dem reach with health sector unions and Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council.

But Federal Government maintain say dem suppose review di current minimum wage on June 1, 2027, according to di law wey provide for review every three years.

Government talk say e dey work with relevant ministries and agencies to address di other demands wey di union make, and say e still ready to dialogue with dem.

NLC disagree with government position. Di union argue say inflation, naira wey don lose value and rising prices of food, transportation, health care and education don reduce di value of workers’ salaries.

Even though di union never officially declare immediate strike, dem don warn say if government no settle di matter before di ultimatum expire, e fit lead to industrial action, including strike.