Nigeria Labour Congress considers N500,000 as new minimum wage demand

As the zonal public hearing on the new wage structure commences, indications suggest that organized labour in Nigeria is poised to advocate for a new minimum wage of N500,000. President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, had previously hinted at the possibility of pushing for up to N1 million. However, Punch reports that based on proposals submitted by state chapters, the demand might be scaled down to N500,000.

The ongoing public hearing aims to gather inputs from various stakeholders on a new minimum wage that reflects current economic realities. Taking place simultaneously in Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, and Abuja, the zonal public hearing includes participation from organized labour, state governors, ministers, civil society groups, and the organized private sector. The overarching goal is to establish a new minimum wage that addresses workers’ economic challenges and aspirations.

With the current N30,000 minimum wage set to expire on April 1, the new wage is expected to be recommended by the tripartite committee on or before that date. The demands put forth by organized labour will be influenced by factors such as the cost of living index, which has been significantly impacted by inflation, the depreciation of the naira, and the removal of the fuel subsidy.

According to reports, the NLC has conducted a thorough cost-of-living analysis, indicating a figure slightly above N500,000 as necessary for an average family of six to meet their basic needs. The zonal public hearing serves as a crucial step in the process initiated by President Bola Tinubu, who inaugurated a 37-member panel on the new minimum wage in January 2024. This panel, comprising representatives from the federal and state governments, the private sector, and labour, is tasked with recommending a new national minimum wage before the expiration of the current one.