The debate over raising the minimum wage continues to rage in Nigeria, with the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) recently deciding to launch a national strike. At a press conference held at the Labor House in Abuja, NLC Chairman Joe Ajaero stressed that this industrial action will continue until an agreement is reached on a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
Discussions between unions and the government have been tense in recent months, with divergent proposals on the amount to be set as the minimum wage. The unions had initially offered ₦615,000, then adjusted their demand to ₦500,000, while the government also increased its offer from ₦48,000 to ₦54,000. However, despite a new government proposal raised to ₦60,000 , the unions believe that this remains well below what they consider acceptable.
Faced with this blockage, the NLC has decided to take action by launching a national strike from Monday June 3, 2024, for an indefinite period. The NLC chairman called on Nigerians to stand up for their interests, criticizing the government’s negligence towards the welfare of workers.
While the Minister of State for Labor, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, urged unions to be considerate, saying the government was seeking to ensure fair and realistic wages for Nigerian workers, the dialogue appears to have stalled. The impasse underscores ongoing tensions between the two sides, highlighting deep differences on the crucial issue of the minimum wage.
The outbreak of this national strike marks a major turning point in this crucial debate for thousands of Nigerian workers. The outcome of this confrontation remains uncertain, but one thing is certain: the stakes are high, and the future of working conditions in Nigeria is at stake.