According to a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Olajide Oshundun, as cited by the Punch, organized labor has been urged by Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, to approach the ongoing negotiations for a new national minimum wage with consideration and patriotism.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
In her statement, the Minister underscored the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure a fair and realistic wage for Nigerian workers, emphasizing the imperative of economic recovery post-pandemic and amidst global economic challenges.
“We appeal to organized labor and other stakeholders to be considerate and patriotic in their demands, recognizing that our economy is still recovering from the devastating effects of the pandemic and global economic shocks,” Minister Onyejeocha stated.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of all Nigerians and called on all parties to demonstrate patriotism and understanding during this crucial period of economic revitalization led by President Bola Tinubu.
Acknowledging the intricate economic challenges confronting Nigerians, the Minister stressed the importance of collective efforts to surmount them, highlighting that the meeting with organized labor signifies a significant step towards securing a fair wage.
“As a government, we value the importance of ensuring a decent standard of living for our citizens, and we are dedicated to making this a reality,” affirmed Minister Onyejeocha.
Following intense negotiations, labor leaders paused to consult with other stakeholders and pledged to return to the negotiating table for further discussions.
The Minister expressed optimism that continued engagement would yield a positive outcome, highlighting a concessional move from N57,000 to N60,000 in response to labor concerns.
She emphasized that the increased minimum wage reflects the government’s commitment to addressing labor concerns and striving towards a mutually beneficial agreement, given the challenging economic terrain.
“We understand the current economic conditions and are committed to mitigating their impact on our citizens,” Minister Onyejeocha affirmed.
The Federal Government recently raised its proposed minimum wage by N3,000 to N60,000, while organized labor adjusted its demand from N497,000 to N494,000. Both sides persist in negotiations to achieve a fair resolution.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>