The organised labour yesterday urged the federal government to increase the minimum wage to N615, 000.
It said this was in line with current economic realities in the country, including the steep rise in prices of essential goods such as food, transportation, and electricity.
The president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Festus Osifo, made this demand at the Eagle Square, Abuja, the venue of the Workers’ Day celebration.
They asked the government to conclude the process of implementing the new national minimum wage for workers by the end of May.
They warned that failure to do this would lead to a showdown.
The NLC had Tuesday night described the 25 and 35 per cent salary increment for different categories of public servants as “a waste of time.”
In his speech yesterday, Comrade Ajaero said: “At this point, comrades, we want to inform you that the process of fixing a new national minimum wage is continuing.
“All parties in the tripartite process are well represented and the engagement has been robust. We have placed our demand of N615,000 only before our social partners while we await their offer.
“If, however, the negotiation of the minimum wage is not concluded by the end of May, the trade union movement in Nigeria will no longer guarantee industrial peace in the country,” Ajaero said.
He also said labour had placed a demand that the new Act would have a two-year life span with an agreement for automatic adjustments in wages any time inflation exceeded 7.5 per cent.
He said Nigerian workers deserved to have a national minimum wage that approximated a living wage.
“Our figures are based on objective realities around the nation and not based on some fantasy; but on what confronts us as workers around the nation.
“We want to be able to buy food stuff, housing, among others.
“Any wage that is below this living wage condemns workers to starvation,” he said.
Ajaero reiterated that the process of fixing a new national minimum wage was still ongoing and had witnessed robust engagements.
He urged workers to remain vigilant as the negotiations were nearing conclusion.
”We must not let our guards down but be alert so that together, we can assist the government in making the right decision and pay workers a living wage as promised by Mr. President.
“We will not allow our interest to sabotage the desire of the president concerning a living wage for workers,” he said.
Ajaero further called on the government to review the retirement age of workers in the federal and state civil service from 60 to 65 years; and 35 years to 40 years in service just as was done for teachers and judges.
‘Reverse new electricity tariff in one week’
The two labour leaders also urged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and power sector operators to reverse the increase in electricity tariff within one week.
They expressed dissatisfaction over the epileptic power situation in the country.
According to them, any nation incapable of effectively and efficiently managing its energy resources must face certain ruin.
“One of the pivotal factors constraining our nation is our glaring incompetence in managing this sector for the collective welfare of our citizens.
“Power, regardless of its source, remains paramount in kick-starting any economy, while oil and gas are indispensable for robust energy success in every country,” Ajaero said.
He said the plight of the power sector remained unchanged over a decade after the privatisation of the sector.
“The reasons are glaringly evident. As long as those who sold the companies remain the buyers, Nigerians will continue to face formidable challenges in the power sector.
“It is unethical to force Nigerians to pay higher tariffs for non-existent electricity.
“Estimated billing is an extortion and daylight robbery against Nigerians,” he said.
We’re considering living wage – Tinubu
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu yesterday assured workers that their days of worrying were over as the government was considering a new “living wage” over the proposed minimum wage.
Speaking at the Workers’ Day celebration in Abuja, the president appealed to unions to continue to use the power of the labour movement for the greater good of the nation and to foster harmony and cooperation.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu acknowledged the patience, commitment and support of labour unions throughout the implementation of his administration’s policies and programmes.
He said: “You would recall that on January 30th, 2024, the federal government convened a 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage. The committee’s mandate was to provide counsel and suggest a national minimum wage that aligns with our current economic conditions.
“Since then, the committee, in collaboration with labour leaders, has been diligently working towards proposing a new National Minimum Wage.
“Unfortunately, despite concerted efforts, the committee was unable to reach a consensus at its last meeting. This shall be resolved soon and I assure you that your days of worrying are over”, he said.
The president said his administration was open to the committee’s suggestion of not just a minimum wage but “a living wage”.
He said he assumed office at a time when Nigeria, like many other nations, was grappling with what he described as “daunting socio-political and developmental challenges”.
He, however, noted that his administration had been resolute in confronting these obstacles head-on.
“The scourge of criminality, from banditry to kidnapping and the farmer-herder crises, alongside terrorism, continues to afflict our nation despite the tireless efforts of our armed forces. We are aware of the toll this takes on our economy. I assure you: we are fully committed to tackling these security challenges,” he added.
The president said Nigeria’s shared vision for national growth and development could only be realised in an atmosphere of industrial harmony and peaceful coexistence in every segment of the country.
Implementation will be effective May 1
Reacting to the demands of members of the organised labour, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, assured workers that the implementation of the new national minimum would take effect from May 1, 2024, when agreed upon.
“Although the committee could not reach a consensus at its last meeting before the May deadline, we want to reassure Nigerian workers that we are working diligently round the clock with organised labour to conclude negotiations and ensure a successful outcome.
“Our commitment is unwavering: the Nigerian workers should be rest assured that despite the short delay, the new minimum wage will take effect on May 1st, 2024.
“Moreover, this government is receptive to the committee’s suggestion of transitioning beyond a mere minimum wage to a living wage that truly reflects the value of workers’ contributions,” she said.
The minister urged all stakeholders to embrace a spirit of cooperation, understanding, and patriotism, coupled with diligence and increased productivity.
“By working together, we can lift our nation out of poverty and usher in an era of prosperity for workers and citizens alike. Rest assured that this government empathises with the struggles of workers and citizens and will not falter in its commitment to their well-being,” she said.
