In a recent development, the labour union has put forward a proposal for a minimum wage of N436,500 ($300) for Nigerian workers. The proposal was made by Comrade Benjamin Anthony, the Chairman of the Trade Union Side, Joint Meeting of the National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), during the meetings held in Goshen City, Nasarawa State.
The union argued that the current minimum wage of N30,000 has been significantly eroded due to factors such as the high exchange rate and the removal of fuel subsidy. These issues have led to a high cost of living in the country, prompting the demand for a new wage.
Comrade Boma Mohammed, the Secretary of the Union, who represented Comrade Benjamin Anthony, also expressed concern over the recent delays in salary payments by the Federal Government. He stressed the urgency to address this trend and prevent further suffering among workers.
Speaking on behalf of the union, Comrade Mohammed stated, “In light of the above, Labour has proposed a Living Wage of $300 (N436,500) for Nigerian Workers. This is due to the fall in the value of our currency. Today, if you carry N100,000 to the market, you will come back with a leather bag of items.”
The union has called on the government to promptly pay the arrears of the N35,000 wage award and expedite the process of implementing the new living wage. They believe that this will provide relief to the working class people who are currently facing unbearable circumstances.
On a related note, Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), revealed that most governors on the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage are not adhering to the proposed base pay structure. He made this statement during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
The committee was inaugurated by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja earlier in the day. Its main objective is to ensure a decent living wage in compliance with the existing National Minimum Wage Act of 2019, which is set to expire in a few months.
Ajaero expressed his concern, saying, “Most of the governors in the minimum wage committee are those who are not paying minimum wage or paying them in breaches.”
The proposal for the new minimum wage will now be subject to negotiations between the labour union and the government. It remains to be seen how these discussions will unfold and what outcome will be reached regarding the welfare of Nigerian workers.
