The Nigerian workers on Wednesday threatened to embark on strike if the tripartite committee on the review of the new national minimum wage doesn’t conclude negotiation by the end of May 2024.
In the joint address to mark 2024 International Workers Day Celebration, both Presidents of NLC Comrade Joe Ajearo and his TUC counterpart Comrade Festus Osifo urged workers in Nigeria not to let their guards down but be at alert.
The labour leaders said although the process of fixing a new minimum wage is still continuing with labour placing a demand of N615, 000 before the social partners, but hope that the process would end soon.
“However, it is important that we urge every worker around the country to remain vigilant as this process winds to an end. We must not let our guards down but be at alert so that together, we can assist the government take the right decision and pay workers a living wage as promised by our president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his inaugural speech.
“If however, the negotiation of the National Minimum Wage is not concluded by the end of May, the Trade Union Movement in Nigeria will longer guarantee industrial peace in the country,” they said.
On the increase in electricity tariff, the organised labour frowned at the hike, stressing that NERC and power sector operators must reverse the last increase of electricity tariff within one week.
Meanwhile, the federal government has announced that the new minimum wage will take effect from May 1, 2024, even though the committee is yet to reach a consensus.
Minister of state for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, while speaking at the May Day celebration, said, “this government is receptive to the committee’s suggestion of transitioning beyond a mere minimum wage to a living wage that truly reflects the value of workers’ contributions.
“Fellow Comrades, as we gather here under the theme “People First” we are reminded of the fundamental principle that must guide our actions and policies which is the prioritisation of the welfare and well-being of our people. Our gathering today therefore is a testament of our affirm commitment to placing the needs and aspirations of our workers at the forefront of our national agenda through provision of fair and just working conditions which are not just ideals but basic human rights. This is because every worker deserves to work in an environment free from exploitation, discrimination, and oppression. We must therefore, strive to create workplaces that foster dignity, respect, job security and inclusivity for all, a foundation upon which individuals build their lives and support their families.
“In our rapidly changing world, we must recognize the importance of guaranteeing stable employment opportunities for our workforce by investing in policies and initiatives that safeguard jobs and create avenues for sustainable livelihoods where wages must reflect the true value and effort of labour. It is thus unacceptable for any worker to toil tirelessly and still struggle to make ends meet; hence the ongoing efforts by Government to pay Wage Award to workers and the review of the National Minimum Wage by a tripartite Committee involving the representatives of Employers, Workers and Government towards ensuring that every worker receives a fair living wage that enables them to live with dignity, provide for their families, and contribute to the growth of our economy.
“We must therefore see each other as partners in progress and utilise the initiatives already provided by the Government to turn our challenges into new opportunities for national growth and development by lending our support to this administration which had promised and remains committed to revitalizing the economy in line with its mantra of “Renewed Hope for Unity and Prosperity for All” through careful implementation of its eight (8) point Agenda as is clearly set out.
“As we commemorate this Workers’ Day, let us not forget the sacrifices and contributions of the labour movement in shaping our nation’s history. Let us honour the legacy of those who fought for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today by continuing their struggle for justice, equality, and solidarity. Let us stand united in our resolve to building a future where every worker is valued, respected, and empowered to achieve their dreams because together, we can create a Nigeria where the well-being of our people is not just a slogan but a lived reality.
“You will recall that on January 30, 2024, the Federal Government took a decisive step towards enhancing the welfare of Nigerian workers by inaugurating a 37-man Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage. This committee was tasked with the critical responsibility of recommending a realistic national minimum wage that aligns with our current economic landscape. Since then, the committee has been working tirelessly alongside Labour leaders to reach an agreement on a new National Minimum Wage that reflects the country’s economic realities.
“Although the committee could not reach a consensus at its last meeting before the May deadline, we want to reassure Nigerian workers that we are working diligently around the clock with organized labour to conclude negotiations and ensure a successful outcome. Our commitment is unwavering: the Nigerian workers should be rest assures that despite the short delay, the new minimum wage will take effect on May 1st, 2024. Moreover, this government is receptive to the committee’s suggestion of transitioning beyond a mere minimum wage to a living wage that truly reflects the value of workers’ contributions”.
