The Nigeria Labour Congress has accepted the government’s offer of N70,000 as the new minimum wage.
The union made the decision at its emergency National Executive Council meeting on Friday.
According to a communique signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the labour union accepted the President’s offer of N70,000 as the new National Minimum Wage, as well as the proposal for a 3-yearly review tenure. This decision marks a significant shift from previous practices, and Ajaero noted that this factor was a major consideration in their acceptance.
The labour leaders had initially demanded a minimum wage of no less than N250,000. However, the agreed amount, coupled with the promise of periodic reviews, persuaded the unions to accept the N70,000 offer.
Ajearo in accepting the decision commended and applauded the doggedness of the leadership of the congress for the courage and forthrightness with which they handled the national minimum wage fixing exercise.
He said the decision, though challenging and far from their initial demand, was made in the spirit of solidarity and sacrifice for Nigerian masses to avert a threatened further hike in the price of petrol which would inflict more hardship on the already suffering masses.
The union at the meeting demanded full and strict compliance by all to the dictates of the national minimum wage 2024 when it becomes an Act.
They also restates the commitment of the NLC to continue to stand resolutely in the mission to defend and advance the rights of Nigerian workers and Nigerian people at all times, calling all Nigerians to unite in this cause and to hold our leaders accountable to the same standards of sacrifice and service.
Brief background of labour and minimum wage saga
2019: The Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) demands a new minimum wage, citing high inflation and the rising cost of living.
March 2019: The NLC and the government agree on a new minimum wage of N30,000, but disagreements arise over implementation.
May 2019: President Muhammadu Buhari signs the new minimum wage into law, effective from April 18, 2019.
2020: Labor unions demand an upward review due to inflation and economic hardship.
2022: NLC demands a new minimum wage of N100,000, citing rising inflation and the devaluation of the naira.
2024: After negotiations, the government offers N70,000 as the new minimum wage, which the NLC accepts.