The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) emphasized on Wednesday that no agreement has been reached with the federal government or private sector regarding the base figure for a National Minimum Wage and its other components. However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared that Nigeria would only pay what it can afford as a new minimum wage, but hinted at a possible change to the final figure.
President Tinubu made this statement at the State House Conference Centre during the 25th Democracy Day Anniversary Dinner. He urged the National Assembly to expect his memorandum on the matter. Addressing the National Assembly leadership, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu stated that the government would fulfill its obligations but within financial limits. “Senate President, Deputy Senate President, you’ll get a notice from me if I’ve changed my mind on minimum wage. We’re going to do what Nigeria can afford,” he said.
On Wednesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stressed the need for a realistic and sustainable wage system that balances workers’ needs with the country’s economic realities. At the last meeting of the Tripartite Committee on minimum wage in Abuja, the government and private sector proposed N62,000, while the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) lowered their demand from N594,000 to N250,000.
The NLC, in a statement, expected the president to harmonize the proposals and announce a suitable minimum wage. “We listened to the Democracy Day Presidential address by President Tinubu, especially regarding the ongoing National Minimum Wage negotiations. It is evident that he has been misinformed about the negotiation process outcome,” the NLC stated.
The NLC clarified that no agreement had been reached with the government or employers on the base figure or other components. “Our demand remains N250,000, and we have not been given any compelling reasons to change this position,” the statement read. The union expressed surprise at the president’s assertion of an agreement and emphasized the need for a correct understanding to avoid confusion.
The NLC appreciated the president’s commitment to democratic ideals and the unhindered progress of the Tripartite National Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee. They had expected the president, who had supported the struggle to rescue Nigeria from military rule, to favor workers and the masses by harmonizing the proposals. “We believe that he may have been misled into believing there was an agreement with the NLC and TUC. There was none, and it is important to clarify this immediately,” the NLC added.
The NLC reaffirmed its belief that the president would prepare an Executive Bill reflecting the true demands of Nigerian workers and urged him to demonstrate his support for workers by rejecting advice that harms the poor and struggling workers. “Mr. President should not allow individuals and groups to sabotage his promise of lifting Nigerian workers out of poverty,” the statement concluded.
The President reiterated that Nigeria would only pay what it can afford as a new minimum wage, alerting the National Assembly to expect his memorandum on the matter.
The 25th Democracy Day Anniversary Dinner featured prominent figures such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and other high-ranking officials. Governors in attendance included Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers). Ministers present included those of Justice, Finance, Information, Power, Budget, and Agriculture. Pro-democracy activists and notable personalities such as Tony Elumelu and traditional rulers also attended the event.