The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has shed light on the negotiations that led to the acceptance of the ₦70,000 minimum wage. According to the NLC, the decision to accept this amount was influenced by a potential threat from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to increase petrol prices further.
Negotiation Insights
In a recent emergency NEC meeting held in Abuja, the NLC revealed that leaders had to compromise on their initial demand for a higher minimum wage. They did this to avoid additional economic strain on Nigerians, which would have been exacerbated by a proposed increase in petrol prices.
The NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, emphasized that the decision was made to protect the public from further hardships. The communique issued after the meeting noted that while the accepted wage of ₦70,000 was lower than the NLC’s initial demand, it was a necessary concession to prevent an increase in petrol prices that could have worsened the economic conditions for many Nigerians.
Demands and Expectations
The NLC's communique also highlighted the union’s call for full compliance with the new National Minimum Wage Law once it is passed by the National Assembly and enacted. The union has accepted a three-year review cycle for the wage, despite it being a compromise from their original expectations.
The NLC commended the leadership of the Congress for their perseverance and determination throughout the negotiations, underscoring the solidarity and sacrifice made for the welfare of Nigerian workers.
The negotiation and acceptance of the new minimum wage, as well as the conditions surrounding it, underscore the complex interplay between labor demands, government policies, and economic pressures.
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