Minimum Wage: Labour Warns Governors to Avoid Plunging Nigeria into Crisis

The Organized Labour has cautioned some governors against plunging Nigeria into a state of resentment, misery, and impoverishment through misguided advice.

Labour is awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s decision on the proposals from the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage before taking their next steps.

The committee, composed of government representatives and the organized private sector, proposed a ₦62,000 minimum wage, while the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) demanded ₦250,000.

NLC’s Head of Information, Comrade Benson Upah, told Sunday Vanguard that the labour unions will review whatever figure the President submits to the National Assembly.

Upah ruled out an immediate strike, emphasizing that strikes are a last resort and not every issue should be resolved this way.

Responding to concerns over the delay in the President’s decision, Upah explained that the report was submitted around Democracy Day and Sallah, which caused delays due to travel by relevant stakeholders.

Regarding the possible acceptance of the ₦62,000 proposal, Upah noted the internal divisions within the government, with some governors opposing even this amount. The final government decision will guide Labour’s response.

He clarified that not all governors are obstacles to a new minimum wage, suggesting that a vocal minority is giving a negative impression. Many governors have expressed readiness to comply with the new wage.

Upah warned the dissenting governors that their advice could lead to social problems and urged them to reconsider their stance. He highlighted widespread public support for Labour’s position, noting that most Nigerians believe the government should act favorably.

On the prospect of a strike if the government insists on ₦62,000, Upah reiterated that any government proposal will be reviewed by the appropriate organs of the NLC and TUC, with strikes being a last option.

This article is sourced from The Vanguard newspaper, with minor edits and adaptations by The Spectacles for clarity and readability.