**Unions in Nigeria reach agreement on minimum wage: A historic breakthrough**
During a negotiation meeting held on Monday, June 3, 2024, leaders of the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) reached a major agreement: to increase the minimum wage to above ₦ 60,000. The landmark decision comes after several meetings in which unions initially demanded an increase in the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦494,000 for workers.
However, at an emergency meeting called by the Secretary General of the Federation, George Akume, the unions decided to suspend their national strike for five days on Tuesday, June 4. This announcement was greeted with relief and hope by many workers across the country.
TUC President Festus Osifo spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today program that evening to discuss the development. He said the unions were not insisting on the amount of ₦494,000 as the minimum wage, but were determined to achieve decent remuneration for workers.
Despite the agreement for a minimum wage above ₦60,000, Osifo stressed that the unions would reject the offer if an insignificant amount was added to the initial amount. He said decisively: “No, we also told them that it is not by adding ₦1, ₦2, ₦3,000 as we come to an agreement. We have obtained some significant guarantees and We hope they keep their word.”
This breakthrough in negotiations between unions and the government represents a victory for Nigerian workers who aspire to fairer and more equitable working conditions. There is still a long way to go, but this step towards a decent minimum wage is a testimony to the parties’ ability to dialogue and find mutually acceptable solutions.