BREAKING: Labour Calls Emergency Meeting to Discuss Minimum Wage Decision

Members of the organised labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have convened an emergency meeting to address the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) decision to step down the memo on the minimum wage.

According to a top official at the NLC headquarters, the meeting is scheduled to be held at Labour House at 10:00 am on Wednesday. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the implications of the FEC’s decision.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained that while the FEC considered 39 items on its agenda, the memo on the minimum wage was the only item deferred. Idris noted that the Tripartite Committee, which includes representatives from local governments, states, the NLC/TUC, and the federal government, had submitted a report and memo regarding the minimum wage.

However, the Council deferred the decision as it involves multiple stakeholders, including local governments, state governments, the federal government, the organized private sector, and labour unions. Idris emphasized that President Bola Tinubu wants to consult widely with these stakeholders before submitting a final proposal to the National Assembly.

A senior NLC official, speaking anonymously, stated that the leadership of both labour centres would meet to adopt a unified stance before engaging in consultations with the President. “Even though we had a position already, we will meet tomorrow morning (Wednesday) to fine-tune our position before we’re consulted. It is important for us,” the official said.

Earlier this month, members of the organised labour had initiated an indefinite strike, which lasted two days, to press their demands for a new minimum wage, significantly impacting economic activities across the country.