The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for an urgent meeting of the Tripartite Committee on the New National Minimum Wage in response to the threat of a nationwide strike by Organised Labour if discussions on the wage issue are not concluded by May 31, 2024. The meeting aims to beat the deadline and reach an agreement to prevent further industrial unrest across the country.
Organised Labour, represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), had warned that if negotiations on the national minimum wage were not completed by the end of May, they would no longer guarantee industrial peace. In an effort to avoid a strike, the government has summoned the Tripartite Committee to a meeting in Abuja.
The meeting's agenda includes presentations by the Federal Government, states, and the Organised Private Sector on their minimum wage proposals. Organised labour has already presented its demand for a minimum wage of N615,000. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission will also present reports on the income survey of the informal sector of the Nigerian economy and the remuneration survey of small and medium-sized enterprises. The meeting will discuss the final reports of the sub-committees on the new national minimum wage recommendation, implementation and effect of the current minimum wage, exemptions, and criteria for exemptions, as well as monitoring, enforcement, and future reviews.
Labour leaders have emphasized the importance of meeting the deadline, expressing concerns over the hardships faced by workers due to government policies. They have called for a living wage that meets basic needs and have proposed the N615,000 minimum wage demand. The labour representatives expect the government to make counter offers during the meeting, and they believe that if negotiations are not concluded by the end of May, industrial peace cannot be guaranteed.
The committee member from the Nigeria Labour Congress stated that all committees have completed their work, and the meeting will unveil the government's offer. He expressed hope that the process can be concluded before the end of May, and any agreed-upon wage would need to go through the National Assembly for legislative action.
The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress view the minimum wage as essential for ensuring fair wages, reducing income inequality, and addressing systemic inequalities within capitalist societies. They see it as a tool to uplift the working class, protect workers from exploitation, guarantee a decent standard of living, and promote social cohesion.
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