Minimum Wage U-Turn: TUC Steps Back from N250,000 Demand

TUC President Festus Osifo stated on Friday that the union’s request for a minimum wage of N250,000 is not fixed and that they are open to discussions.

While the federal government has not yet responded, the Senate has committed to promptly reviewing and passing President Bola Tinubu’s upcoming minimum wage bill.

Last week, the acting President of the NLC, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, emphasized that the NLC’s demand remains N250,000, considering it a significant compromise during negotiations. Osifo previously mentioned that given the current economic challenges, N250,000 was considered appropriate. However, he clarified that the proposed figure is not rigid and there is room for adjustments.

Osifo highlighted that the TUC will continue its efforts until the Minimum Wage Act of 2024 is enacted, and if the President’s proposal is unsatisfactory, they will appeal to the National Assembly for a more favorable outcome. On May 31, the federal government and OPS agreed on a N62,000 minimum wage, an increase from the previously rejected N60,000. The Tripartite Committee has submitted its report to the President, who will decide on the final figure to be presented to the National Assembly.

President Tinubu emphasized the importance of a practical and economical minimum wage during a state dinner held on Democracy Day.

This viewpoint was shared by local government representatives, who acknowledged their inability to meet the suggested wage figures. Aminu Muazu-Maifata, the National President of ALGON, further emphasized the challenges faced by numerous local governments in adhering to the current ₦30,000 minimum wage implemented in 2019, underscoring the necessity for a sustainable wage level.