The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that workers would rather stop working than accept the proposed N48,000 minimum wage. The Deputy President of the NLC, Prof Theophilus Ndubuaku, expressed this sentiment after the Trade Union Congress (TUC) walked out of negotiations over the N48,000 minimum wage, labeling it as an insult to Nigerian workers. The Chairman of the NLC, Alhaji Bukar Goni, urged unionists to return to the negotiation table on Tuesday, May 16. The NLC and other labor leaders have criticized the Federal Government for offering what they consider an inadequate minimum wage.
The NLC highlighted that the proposed N48,000 minimum wage falls short of meeting the basic needs of workers and their families. They argued that a living wage should be at least N615,000 based on economic averages for a family of six. This amount includes expenses such as housing accommodation, electricity, food, medical costs, education, transportation, and other essentials. The current proposal of N48,000 is seen as insufficient and disrespectful to Nigerian workers who are struggling to make ends meet.
The breakdown of the living wage calculation further emphasizes the disparity between the proposed minimum wage and the actual cost of living in Nigeria. The NLC has called for a reconsideration of the government’s position on the minimum wage and urged for a fair resolution that takes into account the economic realities faced by workers across the country.
In light of these developments, it is evident that Nigerian workers are deeply concerned about their financial well-being and are unwilling to accept a minimum wage that they perceive as inadequate. The ongoing negotiations between labor unions and the government will likely continue as both parties seek to find a mutually acceptable solution that addresses the needs and concerns of workers in Nigeria.
