Federal Government Warns of Potential Mass Sacking Amidst Minimum Wage Dispute with Labour
The Federal Government has cautioned organized labour against the economic repercussions of their demands for a significantly higher national minimum wage, warning of possible mass retrenchment of workers and jeopardizing the welfare of Nigerians.
Addressing the issue, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized the need for a realistic wage system that balances workers’ needs with economic sustainability.
He raised concerns over the proposed N250,000 minimum wage, citing its potential to disrupt the economy.
Idris highlighted the government’s commitment to reassessing the minimum wage but urged labor unions to consider broader relief measures beyond salary adjustments.
He pointed to initiatives like the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) program, designed to alleviate transportation costs and enhance citizens’ purchasing power.
However, labor unions, represented by the Acting President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, disowned any agreement on the new national minimum wage, refuting claims made by President Bola Tinubu during his Democracy Day broadcast.
The unions stood firm on their demand for a higher wage, rejecting offers of N62,000 and N100,000 proposed by the Federal Government and economists.
The prolonged negotiations between labor unions, the private sector, state governors, and the Federal Government have yet to yield a consensus, with parties at loggerheads over wage proposals and sustainability concerns.
Despite the impasse, the Federal Government remains steadfast in advocating for a wage system that balances workers’ interests with economic stability.
Minister Idris urged religious leaders to assist in raising public awareness about government initiatives and efforts to alleviate the cost of living.
The dispute underscores the challenges in reaching a consensus on a crucial issue affecting millions of Nigerian workers and highlights the need for constructive dialogue and compromise to achieve a fair and sustainable minimum wage.
