In a significant development reflecting a pragmatic response to prevailing economic conditions, Organized Labour indicates a willingness to reassess its stance on the proposed N1 million minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
Akeem Ambali, President of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and a key figure within the labour movement, conveyed this adjustment in a recent interview.
This shift follows remarks made by Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who suggested that escalating inflation could prompt a demand for a N1 million minimum wage.
Speaking to Punch, Ambali, also a member of the Minimum Wage Committee, clarified that Organized Labour is now reconsidering its stance on the proposed N1 million minimum wage. He emphasized the importance of collective bargaining principles, which allow all parties to thoroughly assess various factors before reaching an agreement on wage figures.
Ambali indicated that this revised position is likely to be formally communicated to the Federal Government during the upcoming second meeting of the tripartite committee on the minimum wage scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.
He explained, “The principle of collective bargaining allows compromise once the parties look at all factors to ensure an agreeable amount is reached.”
Ambali further highlighted the importance of swift action, noting the timeline for the current minimum wage’s expiration in March. He expressed hope that the committee, alongside the Presidency and the National Assembly, would expedite proceedings to ensure the enactment of a new Minimum Wage Act to replace the existing one by April 1, 2024.
