Nigeria’s federal government announced it is willing to offer a higher national minimum wage than the previously proposed N60,000. This decision comes after organized labour unions embarked on an indefinite strike to pressure the government on the issue.
The announcement was made during a tripartite committee meeting convened by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. President Bola Tinubu was said to be committed to a minimum wage exceeding N60,000.
Following the government’s offer, the tripartite committee will meet daily for the next week to reach a final agreement. Labour unions have also agreed to convene to discuss the government’s proposal.
The agreement emphasizes that no worker will be penalized for participating in the strike action.
Representatives from the government included Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, and Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment. Representing organized labour were Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
