Punch said that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened the Federal Government, threatening to intensify protests in the event that a suitable deal on the new minimum wage is not reached. In an interview with Punch, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, the NLC Deputy President of the Political Commission, emphasized this position. CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Negotiations between the NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Federal Government have hit a deadlock as the government proposed a minimum wage of N48,000, significantly lower than the N615,000 demanded by the unions. Labour leaders expressed outrage, describing the offer as “an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerian workers.” Alhaji Bukar Goni, Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, urged the unions to return to the negotiation table.
However, Ndubuaku confirmed the NLC’s resolve not to relent until a more favorable offer is presented. He criticized the government’s stance, highlighting the disconnect between the proposed wage and the actual cost of living. He questioned the government’s reasoning, pointing out discrepancies between the proposed wage and the National Bureau of Statistics’ data on essential expenses.
Ndubuaku further underlined the need for comprehensive measures to address workers’ concerns, including food security, transportation subsidies, and health insurance. He stressed the importance of tangible solutions to accompany the government’s promises of ‘Renewed Hope.’
“We have given the FG an ultimatum. If the new minimum wage is not out by the end of this month, we will all go and sit at home. Instead of us taking N48,000 per month, we will tell workers to work for free for the government or turn to artisans’ work. That is where we are now.”
“I don’t understand the thinking of government. It looks to me like they do things without proper thought. Was the wage award supposed to be a palliative or what? We gave them the breakdown of what the minimum wage looks like.”
“Even the National Bureau of Statistics has released a document that shows the average amount for foodstuffs. It is N900. This is even coming from a government agency. Does it mean this government is not in touch with its own agency before coming up with N48,000 as minimum wage? It is either they are living in denial or they just want to insult us.”
“We are looking forward to a robust arrangement this Tuesday. We can’t be talking about Renewed Hope without putting up any road map or package to match the hope of the people. They also need to tell us what plan they have for food security, subsidy on transportation even if they have to use CNG buses and other issues like health insurance. By Tuesday, we will go back to see what will come out of it,” he stated.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
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