The Organised Labour has firmly stated its rejection of any modest increase to the ₦60,000 offer presented by the tripartite committee concerning the new minimum wage. This declaration was made by the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.
The statement followed the suspension of an industrial action by the Organised Labour, which includes the TUC and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), just hours after it commenced at 12:01 am on Monday.
Osifo revealed that during a Friday meeting, the tripartite committee, which consists of representatives from the Federal Government, states, and the Organised Private Sector, indicated they would not increase the ₦60,000 offer. However, during a subsequent meeting on Monday, the President committed to exceeding the ₦60,000 figure.
Prior to the strike, the tripartite committee had proposed several increments: ₦48,000, ₦54,000, ₦57,000, and finally ₦60,000, all of which were turned down by the TUC and NLC. When asked whether Labour would accept a small increase above the last offer, Osifo responded negatively.
He emphasized that Labour would not settle for minor additions of ₦1,000 to ₦3,000 and noted that they received assurances that a more substantial offer would be made.
Osifo clarified that while Labour is not fixated on a specific figure like ₦494,000 for the new minimum wage, the committee must present an offer that is economically realistic and reflective of current inflationary pressures.
He stressed that the new minimum wage should have purchasing power equivalent to ₦30,000 in 2019 and ₦18,000 in 2014.
Furthermore, Osifo criticized the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, for labeling the strike as “premature” and “illegal.” Osifo argued that Labour had given the government a one-month notice during this year’s Workers’ Day on May 1, 2024, which concluded on May 31, 2024.
The TUC leader asserted that the brief strike, lasting just over 24 hours, successfully raised awareness of workers’ demands.
He stated that the strike has brought significant attention to the issue of Labour and emphasized that the focus would remain on the tripartite committee in the coming week, achieving the intended goal of the strike.
Earlier on Tuesday, Organised Labour decided to suspend the nationwide strike following a commitment from President Bola Tinubu to establish a national minimum wage above ₦60,000.
The President also instructed the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to present a new minimum wage template by Wednesday.
