Exclusive: NLC Gears Up for National Minimum Wage Negotiations

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is gearing up for negotiations with the government over the imminent review of the national minimum wage, which is set to expire in April 2024.

This comes following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pledge in his New Year address to implement a “national living wage” this year. This is an excerpts from exclusive interview by Vanguard Newspaper.

Comrade Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, sheds light on the impending wage negotiations and possible figures that may be proposed. Despite the anticipation for a committee to be set up for the wage review, as of the end of December 2023, the government had not initiated the process, although labour representatives have been nominated.

Reflecting on previous agreements between Labour and the government, Ajaero highlights the government’s partial fulfillment of commitments, particularly concerning the N35,000 wage award, which was only paid for one month, leaving arrears outstanding. He reiterates the necessity for the government to honor its agreements and settle the outstanding arrears before advancing to any new wage discussions.

When probed about the potential figures for the new minimum wage, Ajaero emphasizes a thorough evaluation considering factors like the cost of living, currency devaluation, and comparisons with similar economies. He mentions a possible benchmark of around N200,000, emphasizing the dynamic nature of economic indicators that influence this projection.

Regarding the negotiation timeline, Ajaero suggests that once the committee is constituted and serious engagements commence, a resolution might be achieved in about a week. However, he underscores the need for the government’s commitment to ensure progress in the negotiations.

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Despite challenges in implementing past agreements, Ajaero insists that Labour will pursue full compliance and payment of outstanding wage awards. He stresses the importance of sector-specific follow-ups, emphasizing that Labour encompasses various sectors, both private and public, each with its payment challenges.

As the deadline for the current minimum wage approaches, Labour remains vigilant, advocating for the fulfillment of agreements and expressing optimism about the upcoming negotiations.