Labour Warns Nigerian Government: No Minimum Wage by End of May, No Peace- Joe Ajaero

The Nigeria Labour Congress President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, emphasized the urgency for the Federal Government to conclude the implementation of the new national minimum wage by the end of May, during the 2024 International Workers Day celebration in Abuja.

This year’s theme, ‘Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate’, highlighted the importance of workplace safety and health amidst environmental challenges.

Ajaero expressed concerns that failure to finalize the negotiation process by the deadline could lead to disruptions in industrial harmony within Nigeria, stressing the ongoing nature of the wage adjustment discussions.

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The labour leader outlined key demands, including a proposed minimum wage of N615,000, a two-year lifespan for the new Act with provisions for automatic wage adjustments during inflation spikes, and the requirement for all employers with at least five workers to adhere to the new wage structure.

Additionally, Ajaero called for enhanced monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance, particularly targeting state governments that may resist the new wage regulations.

He underscored the importance of a national minimum wage that reflects a living wage for Nigerian workers, emphasizing the need for fair compensation and economic stability within the labor sector.