The chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, Bukar Goni Aji, has called on Labour to reconsider its demand for a minimum wage of N250,000.
He cited various government initiatives aimed at alleviating economic pressures, including the N35,000 wage award for all treasury-paid federal workers, N100 billion for gas-fueled buses and gas kit conversions, N125 billion in conditional grants, and a monthly N25,000 stipend for 15 million households over three months.
Despite these incentives, Labour remains firm in its stance, accusing Aji of being out of touch with the hardships faced by Nigerian workers.
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Organized labour, a member of the tripartite committee, argued that its demand is based on comprehensive data reflecting the true cost of living in Nigeria today.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, also weighed in, noting that limited resources were the reason behind governors’ rejection of the N62,000 minimum wage offered by the federal government.
He emphasized the need for fiscal prudence and accountability, urging the government to pay workers a living wage.
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The chairman of the Tripartite Committee highlighted additional government efforts to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal, such as N185 billion in palliative loans to states, N200 billion to support agriculture, N75 billion to strengthen the manufacturing sector, and N1 trillion in student loans for higher education. He also mentioned the release of 42,000 metric tonnes of grains from strategic reserves and the distribution of 60,000 metric tonnes of rice to millers.
Aji urged Labour to consider recent salary increases of 25% and 35% for federal workers and the 90% subsidy on health costs for federal civil servants under the health insurance program.
He also pointed to the Abuja light rail project as a significant achievement that would help reduce transportation costs until the end of the year.
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Labour responded by reiterating that its demand for a N250,000 minimum wage is based on a nationwide survey of the economic realities faced by Nigerian families.
A representative from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) stressed that the cost of living has dramatically increased due to government policies, making basic needs unaffordable for workers.
The NLC detailed the skyrocketing prices of essential goods, arguing that the government’s offer of N62,000 fails to meet the basic economic needs of Nigerian workers. They urged the government to present a more realistic offer that reflects the actual cost of living.
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In Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State, Minister Bagudu explained that the N62,000 minimum wage was reluctantly accepted by states and local governments due to their limited resources.
He emphasized that the Tinubu administration aims to create a skilled economy where workers can earn more, with the president prioritizing affordable housing, food, and transport to improve living conditions.
The ongoing debate underscores the need for a fair and transparent negotiation process to ensure that the new minimum wage reflects the economic realities faced by Nigerian workers.