The Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, Bukar Goni Aji, has called on labour unions to reconsider their demand for a minimum wage, citing the prevailing economic situation in the country.
He highlighted various government incentives and support measures aimed at alleviating economic hardships.
Goni Aji pointed out the N35,000 wage award for all treasury-paid federal workers, N100 billion for the procurement of gas-fueled buses, and the conversion to gas kits.
Additionally, the government has offered a N125 billion conditional grant, financial inclusion to small and medium-scale enterprises, and N25,000 each to be distributed to 15 million households for three months.
Labour’s Stance
In a swift reaction, labour unions accused the Tripartite Committee chairman of being out of touch with the hardships and suffering faced by Nigerian workers. Organized labour, a key member of the tripartite committee, reiterated their demand for a minimum wage of N250,000, far above the government’s offer of N62,000.
One of Labour’s negotiators stated, “The call for NLC and TUC to consider economic realities is, at best, a reflection of a limited understanding of the actual hardships faced by Nigerian workers. The nationwide survey we conducted clearly delineates the stark economic realities for the average Nigerian family.”
Economic Realities
Labour underscored the dramatic escalation in the cost of living driven by governmental policies, including increased petrol prices, higher electricity tariffs, and significant naira devaluation.
They highlighted that the cost of basic commodities has skyrocketed, severely eroding the purchasing power of the average Nigerian worker.
“Our demand for a national minimum wage of N250,000 is not arbitrary but firmly grounded in the economic realities dictated by the current market prices of essential goods and services,” a labour representative emphasized.
Government Incentives
The Tripartite Committee chairman also referenced several government initiatives to cushion economic effects, including:
N185 billion palliative loans to states
N200 billion to support food production
N75 billion to strengthen the manufacturing sector
N1 trillion for student loans
Distribution of 42,000 metric tonnes of grains and 60,000 metric tonnes of rice
Goni Aji urged labour to consider the recent salary increase of 25 to 35 percent on all consolidated salary structures for federal workers and the 90 percent subsidy on health costs for federal civil servants registered on the health insurance programme.
He also highlighted the commissioning of the Abuja light rail as a landmark achievement aimed at reducing transportation costs.
Labour’s Counterargument
Labour’s response was unequivocal, stating that the government’s offer fails to meet the basic economic needs of Nigerian workers. They emphasized the necessity for the minimum wage to reflect the true cost of living, noting the inadequacies in the government’s proposal.
“We urge you to redirect your advice towards the government to be realistic in its approach to this negotiation. The government’s offer should reflect the actual economic conditions and the cost of living faced by workers,” labour representatives insisted.
Government’s Financial Constraints
Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, attributed the governors’ rejection of the N62,000 minimum wage to lean resources. He explained that the offer was reluctantly accepted by states and local governments due to limited resources.
Anglican Communion’s Call for Living Wages
The Anglican Communion also weighed in, urging the federal and state governments to pay workers a living wage and maintain fiscal prudence and accountability. They called for comprehensive measures to improve infrastructure, tackle poverty, and enhance security.
Senate Leader’s Appeal
Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, pleaded with labour unions to accept any federal government offer above N60,000. He emphasized the need for dialogue and national interest in resolving the minimum wage issue.
As the debate over the national minimum wage continues, both the government and labour unions remain steadfast in their positions. The resolution of this issue will require a balanced approach that considers the economic realities and the welfare of Nigerian workers.
