Tommy Okon Etim, the deputy president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), emphasized the importance of following due process in the quest for a new national minimum wage in Nigeria. Etim, during an interview, revealed that discussions within the labour sector are imminent to deliberate on the federal government’s recent proposal of N62,000. He clarified that while the organized labour is not fixated on figures, they prioritize the value it represents for workers.
Despite the agreement between the Bola Tinubu-led government and the organized private sector on a N62,000 minimum wage, the organized labour has stood firm, advocating for N250,000. This difference has heightened tensions, potentially reactivating the suspended indefinite strike action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), according to reports.
Criticism has been directed towards Nigerian governors by the organized labour for their opposition to the proposed minimum wage. The suspension of the strike action, which lasted for five days, concludes today, Sunday, June 9. The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) expressed concerns over the sustainability of the proposed wage, drawing a sharp rebuke from labour unions. Tommy Etim, the deputy national president of the TUC, labeled the NGF’s stance as a catalyst for industrial unrest, stressing the need for governors to fulfill their obligations to workers and any of the state governors who will not comply should resign.
Etim highlighted discrepancies in the wealth distribution among governors, citing instances where vast sums were available yet claims of inability to meet wage demands were made.
“In this same country, the governors said that N30,000 was too much for governors to pay but it is in same country that a governor emerged with over 80bn. What an irony” He emphasized the importance of adherence to due process and expressed optimism in the outcome of discussions, stating, “We are giving Mr President the benefit of the doubt to walk the talk. The end will justify the means.”
The president of the TUC, Festus Osifo, rejected N60,000 and demanded a N250,000 minimum wage, aligning it with the prevailing economic challenges faced by Nigerian workers. The commitment of organized labour to championing the rights and welfare of workers remains unwavering, with a firm stance against any form of intimidation.
Bukar Goni Aji, chairperson of the tripartite committee on the national new minimum wage, disclosed plans to forward both the N62,000 and N250,000 recommendations to President Tinubu for further action.
