The Federal Government has agreed to implement a new minimum wage exceeding the initial proposal of N60,000. This decision emerged from a meeting with labor leaders on Monday night in Abuja, aimed at addressing the dispute over the national minimum wage amidst the nationwide strike declared by organized labor.
The meeting, held in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, sought to resolve the impasse and end the industrial action that had disrupted various sectors across the country.
Key resolutions from the meeting include:
- Commitment to Higher Minimum Wage: President Bola Tinubu’s administration committed to establishing a national minimum wage higher than N60,000.
- Daily Meetings: The Tripartite Committee will convene daily for the next week to finalize an agreeable national minimum wage.
- Labor’s Consideration: Organized labor will immediately hold meetings to consider the new offer.
- No Retaliation: No worker will face victimization for participating in the industrial action.
The resolutions were signed on behalf of the Federal Government by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. Representing the organized labor were the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, and the President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had declared a nationwide indefinite strike starting at midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024, due to the Federal Government’s initial refusal to increase the proposed minimum wage above N60,000. The strike was announced by NLC President Joe Ajaero following failed negotiations between the government and organized labor.
