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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concerns that the new minimum wage may need to be reevaluated and possibly increased to either N100,000 or even N200,000 due to the escalating cost of living.
While the union and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had initially planned to initiate a strike on Tuesday due to concerns regarding the removal of the fuel subsidy, they decided to postpone it following a meeting with government authorities in Abuja late on Monday.
However, President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, clarified that this decision was made to grant the government adequate time to fulfill its obligations as outlined in the agreement reached with organized labor. He emphasized that the N35,000 wage increment, which is part of the government’s proposals, should not be misconstrued as a new minimum wage. A new minimum wage, he explained, could potentially be set at a higher level, such as N100,000 or even N200,000, during future negotiations.
He stated during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, “So, it is not a minimum wage but an additional wage on top of the minimum wage. Therefore, should we negotiate a new minimum wage of N100,000 or N200,000 in March, April, or before that time, it would be enshrined as the new minimum wage law, which would become the legally mandated standard.”
Maintaining that the N35,000 wage award is not an addition to the country’s existing minimum wage of N30,000, the NLC chief emphasized that several factors would be taken into consideration when determining a new minimum wage.
“Several factors will come into play during these discussions, such as inflation and the cost of living. We will consider all relevant aspects,” he added. “Our aim is not to request N65,000, as this amount is approximately $70, which falls short of a minimum wage.”
He also pointed out that for a new minimum wage to become effective, it would require legislative action from the National Assembly.
“It’s important to remember that the minimum wage is established through legislation. Until it is passed as law by the National Assembly, it cannot be considered a true minimum wage,” Ajaero argued.
