Representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have called for a substantial increase in the national minimum wage to N250,000, citing severe economic situation

Amidst ongoing economic challenges, representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have steadfastly demanded a substantial increase in the national minimum wage. 

The labour leaders recently met with President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa to negotiate a new minimum wage, proposing an amount of N250,000. The push for a higher minimum wage comes in response to severe inflation and the economic hardships Nigerian workers face. 

Initially, the labour unions proposed N494,000, but they revised their demand to N250,000 following several rounds of negotiation. The federal government, on the other hand, offered a much lower figure of N60,000, which both the labour unions and state governors found unsustainable.

State Governors and Federal Government Dispute Over Minimum Wage

The debate over the appropriate national minimum wage has been a contentious issue between state governors and the federal government. Given their current financial constraints, the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has argued that a minimum wage of N60,000 would be unsustainable for the states. 

This position has been met with strong opposition from the labour unions, who demand a higher wage to cope with rising living costs. President Tinubu has directed the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to present the cost implications of a new minimum wage, which will form the basis for further negotiations. 

The outcome of these discussions will significantly impact Nigerian workers' economic well-being and the states' financial health.