In a bid to resolve the lingering issue of the new minimum wage, President Bola Tinubu met with the leadership of the organized labour on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting, which lasted about an hour, saw the labour leaders, led by NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero and TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo, engage in discussions with the President on the current economic realities in the country.
Although the meeting did not delve into specific figures, the labour leaders emphasized the need for a realistic minimum wage that reflects the current economic situation. The NLC President clarified that the meeting was not a negotiation but a discussion, and that the status quo remains, with the organized labour still demanding ₦250,000 and the government and private sector offering ₦62,000.
The TUC President, Comrade Osifo, explained that the labour leaders presented economic indices and data to the President, highlighting the impact of the economic difficulties on Nigerians. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, described the meeting as fruitful and hopeful, while the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed optimism that a positive result would emerge after next week’s meeting.
A source close to the meeting revealed that President Tinubu urged the organized labour to consider the ₦62,000 offer and suggested a two-year review cycle instead of the usual five years. However, the labour leaders remain adamant about their demand, citing the current economic realities and the erosion of the value of the naira.
The meeting has been adjourned to next week, with both parties agreeing to reconvene and continue the discussion.”
