After weeks of dormancy, the tripartite committee convened by the Federal Government is poised to reconvene today, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, according to sources in Abuja. Labor unions remain steadfast in their demand for a minimum wage of N615,000, insisting on a deadline of May 31, 2024.
The impetus for this meeting
stems from the Federal Government's failure to present a nationally acceptable
minimum wage following the expiration of the previous mandate on April 18,
2024. President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the 37-member committee on January 30,
2024, charging them with recommending a new national minimum wage.
During the committee's
inauguration, Vice President Kashim Shettima stressed the urgency of prompt
resolution, underscoring the necessity for collective bargaining and early
submission of reports. Chaired by former Head of the Civil Service of the
Federation, Goni Aji, the committee's membership spans federal and state
governments, the private sector, and organized labor.
Zonal public hearings held on
March 7, 2024, solicited input from various stakeholders, including the Nigeria
Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). Proposals varied
significantly, with demands ranging from N447,000 to N850,000 across different
regions. Eventually, organized labor settled on N615,000 as a baseline figure.
Confirmation of the committee's resumption comes amidst heightened expectations and pressures. Stakeholders, speaking anonymously, emphasized the importance of meeting the looming deadline and urged the Federal Government to make realistic offers. They stressed that an equitable minimum wage not only benefits workers but also bolsters the nation's economy by enhancing purchasing power and stimulating productivity.
Nevertheless, negotiations have
hit an impasse, with stark disparities between labor's demands and government
proposals. While labor insists on N615,000, the government and private sector
advocate figures between N60,000 and N70,000, resulting in a deadlock.
As discussions recommence,
observers emphasize the need for constructive dialogue and compromise. However,
concerns linger regarding the government's commitment to labor issues,
underscored by the absence of a substantive Minister of Labour and perceived
reluctance to engage in meaningful negotiations.
Amidst these challenges, calls
for a middle-ground approach resonate, with stakeholders acknowledging the
necessity of realistic wage proposals aligned with Nigeria's economic capacity.
Yet, uncertainties persist, casting a shadow over the prospects of a swift and
amicable resolution to the minimum wage conundrum.
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