**Heated debate around the minimum wage in Nigeria: The clear opinion of the Acting President of the NLC, Adewale Adeyanju**
In a tense socio-economic context, the thorny issue of the minimum wage in Nigeria is crystallizing tensions and dividing opinions. In an official statement, the Acting President of the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC), Adewale Adeyanju, strongly expressed the union’s position on this crucial issue which impacts millions of workers across the country.
At the heart of the debate, the negotiations led by the federal government concerning the new national minimum wage. While the initial offer stood at ₦62,000, the NLC maintained its demand at ₦250,000, seeing this demand as a significant concession from Nigerian workers.
In a candid reaction to President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day intervention, Adewale Adeyanju stressed that the union is yet to see the official document submitted to the President and would reject any falsification of it. A categorical position which highlights the determination of the NLC to defend the interests of the country’s workers.
The integrity of the negotiations is also called into question by the Acting President, who raises accusations of intimidation and harassment against union leaders. Reprehensible practices which, according to him, are intended to disrupt the dialogue process and influence the final decisions on the minimum wage.
Despite the obstacles encountered, Adewale Adeyanju remains optimistic about the President’s ability to take into consideration the legitimate demands of workers and propose a law that truly reflects their needs. He calls for justice, fairness and the dignity of Nigerian workers, emphasizing the crucial importance of a decent wage to lift workers out of precariousness.
In conclusion, the debate around the national minimum wage in Nigeria remains lively and complex. The assertive position of the NLC under the leadership of Adewale Adeyanju highlights the major social and economic issues facing the country. Hoping that dialogue and consultation will prevail to find a fair and equitable solution to this crucial issue for millions of Nigerian citizens.