Labour Deems Announcement of New Minimum Wage On Workers Day Infeasible

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria expressed disappointment on Thursday regarding the ongoing negotiations for a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers, urging the Federal Government to expedite the process.

Comrade Festus Osifo, the TUC President, addressed journalists after the National Executive Council meeting, stating that the likelihood of implementing a new minimum wage by the end of May was slim.

Highlighting the issue of non-payment of wage awards and palliatives, particularly in states like Delta, Imo, and Benue, as well as Zamfara in the northern region which paid its workers the lowest salary of less than ₦10,000 as the minimum wage, have surprisingly never honored their workers with even a single month’s wage award, Osifo emphasized the urgent need for action.

While acknowledging the efforts of states such as Borno, Oyo, and Lagos in addressing economic challenges, Osifo also criticized states like Benue and Anambra for their inaction despite receiving substantial allocations.

The TUC also criticized the Federal Government for failing to pay federal workers the remaining wage awards for March and April, calling for immediate action to alleviate economic hardship.

Osifo stressed the importance of empowering the working class through the swift implementation of a new minimum wage to stimulate economic activity.

Additionally, the TUC called for a review of outdated labour laws and condemned the government’s unilateral decision to increase electricity tariffs without stakeholder consultation, particularly considering the lack of metering for most Nigerians.