To ensure harmony in the industrial sector of the nation, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have urged President Bola Tinubu to refrain from submitting any proposed minimum wage bill to the National Assembly without prior consultation with organized labor and members of the Organized Private Sector (OPS).
The labor unions have also emphasized to the federal government under Tinubu’s leadership that employees from all levels in the country will insist on receiving their minimum wage arrears, regardless of the time it takes to enact the new minimum wage legislation.
During a press briefing on Thursday at the Palais du Nation in Geneva, Switzerland, Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, and Festus Osifo, his TUC counterpart, made these statements on the sidelines of the ongoing International Labour Conference.
The previous national minimum wage expired on April 18, 2024, after a five-year term. Notably, the last minimum wage was established on April 17, 2019, when the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, signed it into law.
Ajaero stressed during the joint press conference that it is crucial for workers to demand their minimum wage arrears, regardless of when the new national minimum wage law is enacted by the National Assembly.
The labor leader expressed that it is expected for the President to convene a meeting with tripartite bodies to discuss the capacity to pay before determining the final figure.
He stated, “We anticipate that the President will engage in consultations with organized labor, employers, and state governors before presenting a final figure to the National Assembly. All stakeholders will come together for discussions before the bill is transmitted.”
In agreement with Ajaero’s statement, the TUC President emphasized that even after the report is transmitted to the National Assembly, labor will persistently advocate and strive for better conditions in order to secure the most favorable figure for Nigerian workers.
When questioned about the specific details included in the report submitted to the President, the leaders of the two labor centers claimed to be unaware of its complete content and stated that they did not sign any report.
“Furthermore, we have not had the opportunity to review the contents of the report submitted to the President. We will insist on thoroughly examining the content and signing every page. We will not endorse any page that we are not comfortable with.
“As representatives, we cannot specify the exact amount until we consult, evaluate the proposals, and determine what is equitable for Nigerian workers,” Ajaero informed the journalists.
On his part, Osifo explained that the reason for demanding minimum wage arrears is due to the increasing inflation that negatively affects Nigerian workers on a daily basis.
The TUC President stated, “The previous minimum wage negotiation took approximately two years to conclude. That duration was attributed to fewer challenges compared to the ones we are currently facing. Food prices are high, the Naira has been devalued, and energy costs have risen.
“Urgency is now of utmost importance. We do not have the luxury of time. Negotiations began in January of this year, and we are already discussing the submission of a bill to the National Assembly for a new minimum wage law.
“Since April 18, 2024, Nigeria has been without a minimum wage law. However, I assure Nigerians that labor will demand payment of arrears, regardless of when the new law comes into effect.”
