Labour Displeased as FEC Defers Decision on Minimum Wage, Calls for Consultation
The Organised Labour has expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) decision to defer the memorandum on the report of the Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage, demanding broader consultations before a final decision is made.
Benson Upah, the Head of Public Relations of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), criticized FEC’s move during a press briefing following Tuesday’s council meeting.
He lamented that the delay in considering the tripartite committee’s report could lead to unwarranted speculations and uncertainty among workers.
According to Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, FEC chose to step down the memorandum to allow President Bola Tinubu to engage with state governors, local government authorities, and the private sector. This decision, he explained, reflects the multi-stakeholder nature of the national minimum wage issue.
“The federal government, organized private sector, and Labour have engaged in several meetings regarding the new minimum wage. While Labour proposed N250,000, a counter-offer of N62,000 was made by the government and private sector. State governors, however, insist on not exceeding N60,000,” Idris clarified.
Chris Onyeka, Assistant General Secretary of NLC, reiterated Labour’s stance, rejecting the N62,000 offer and higher proposals from economists. NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized that Labour awaits President Tinubu’s response to their proposal after consultations with relevant stakeholders.
President Tinubu, speaking recently at an event in Abuja, highlighted the importance of establishing a realistic wage system that addresses workers’ needs without causing mass layoffs.
Minister Idris affirmed that President Tinubu intends to consult extensively with stakeholders before presenting an Executive Bill on the new minimum wage to the National Assembly. This move, he stressed, aims to ensure a well-informed decision that accommodates the interests of all concerned parties.
