Labour Stands Firm Rejects ₦60k Wage, Demands ₦494k Amidst Tense Talks

iexclusivenews – The negotiation table for Nigeria’s minimum wage has become a battleground of wills, with Organised Labour steadfastly dismissing the Federal Government’s latest offer.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have unitedly turned down the ₦60,000 proposal put forth by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

From Stance to Standoff

Initially, the labour unions had proposed a ₦497,000 minimum wage, but in a recent shift, they have slightly lowered their demand to ₦494,000.

This adjustment reflects their commitment to reaching a resolution that respects the economic realities faced by Nigerian workers.

The Government’s Counteroffer

As reported by iexclusivenews Nigeria, a key figure from the Tripartite Committee—which includes government, private sector, and labour representatives—disclosed that the government’s counteroffer climbed from ₦57,000 to ₦60,000.

This increase, however, has not swayed the unions, who remain firm on their revised figure.

The government’s journey to this point has been marked by a series of rejections from Organised Labour.

Initial proposals of ₦48,000 and ₦54,000 were met with refusal, as was Labour’s drastic reduction from a ₦615,000 demand to the current ₦494,000.

The Countdown to a Deadline

With the May 31 deadline looming, the Tripartite Committee is under pressure to bridge the gap between the government’s offer and Labour’s demand.

The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the nation’s workforce and economy.