In a recent development, the Nigerian government has proposed a new minimum wage for its workers.
The offer, which was previously set at ₦54,000, has been increased to ₦57,000 as part of the ongoing negotiations with the tripartite committee.
The Federal Government team, during the Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage meeting in Abuja, took a pause to reconsider their offer following a change in stance by the Organised Labour. The Labour had initially demanded a wage of ₦615,000, which was later reduced to ₦500,000 to expedite the negotiation process.
Sources from the meeting disclosed that the government team cited a lack of funds and the private sector’s inability to meet the proposed wage as reasons for their initial offer. However, after a period of consultation, the government increased their offer by ₦3,000, bringing the total to ₦57,000.
The government acknowledged the Labour’s evidence-based approach but pointed out that eight states are not fully implementing the 2019 minimum wage. The government’s proposed wage of ₦57,000 aligns with the figure proposed by the OPS, but it remains uncertain whether the Labour will accept this offer.
