In a continuing saga of negotiations, Organised Labour, represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has once again rebuffed the latest minimum wage offer put forward by the Federal Government.

The rejection came after the Federal Government proposed a monthly minimum wage of ₦60,000 for workers, a figure that fell short of the expectations of the labour unions. This development follows earlier proposals of ₦48,000 and ₦54,000 from the government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS), all dismissed by the labour unions.

Shifting from their previous demand of ₦497,000, the Organised Labour revised their stance to ₦494,000 during the latest round of negotiations. However, talks between the two sides hit an impasse as they failed to agree on the new minimum wage.

The Tripartite Committee tasked with these negotiations is racing against time, with just three days left before the May 31 deadline set by the labour unions to conclude the discussions. According to the unions, the current minimum wage of ₦30,000 is inadequate to sustain the livelihoods of Nigerian workers, especially considering that some state governments have failed to implement the current wage award.

NLC President Joe Ajaero criticized the latest proposals from the government, labeling them as “unsubstantial” and stressing that they do not adequately address the needs of workers. Ajaero highlighted workers’ dire economic situation, emphasizing the need for a substantial increase to ensure their well-being.