The Federal Government has increased its proposed minimum wage from N57,000 to N60,000 following a meeting of the tripartite committee on minimum wage in Abuja on Tuesday.
This development comes as a response to the organised labour unions, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who had previously lowered their demand by N3,000 from N497,000.
Despite the government’s revised proposal, it reportedly did not satisfy the labour leaders. A union member, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized the need for the government to propose a more reasonable amount to reach an agreement.
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The union member noted that the labour unions are prepared to make further concessions only if the government shows greater flexibility.
“This is simply a case of if they go higher, we will go lower. They need to propose something reasonable for us to propose something lower too. There is no two-way about it,” the labour leader stated.
He also highlighted the unions’ strategy of meeting before each committee session to unify their stance, ensuring they present a cohesive front during negotiations.
READ ALSO: Labour Rejects FG’s N48,000 Minimum Wage Proposal
The ongoing negotiations underscore the tension between the government’s financial constraints and the unions’ demands for a livable wage.
Both sides continue to seek a middle ground that will address the economic realities faced by workers while considering the government’s fiscal capacity.