Labour unions’ N494,000 minimum wage unreasonable, unrealistic, will destabilise Nigeria; Tinubu, private sector can pay N60,000: FG
Labours’ N494,000 minimum wage demand amounts to N9.5 trillion yearly, but unsustainable – FG
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the sum of N494,000 national minimum wage being demanded by organized labour, which cumulatively amounts to the sum of N9.5 trillion bill, is capable of destabilizing the economy and jeopardizing the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians.
Idris stated this at a news conference in Abuja in response to the threat by the organized labor to embark on strike if their demands were not met.
He said the offer of N60,000 minimum wage by the Federal Government, which translates to a 100% increase on the existing minimum wage of 2019, has been accepted by the organized private sector, which is a member of the tripartite committee of the negotiations team.
“The Federal Government’s New Minimum Wage proposal amounts to a 100% increase on the existing minimum wage 2019. Labour, however, wanted N494,000, which would increase by 1,547% on the existing wage.
“The sum of N494,000 national minimum wage which Labour is seeking would cumulatively amount to the sum N9.5 trillion bill to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Nigerians need to understand that whereas the FG is desirous of ample remuneration for Nigerian workers, what is most critical is that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not encourage any action that could lead to massive job loss, especially in the private sector, who may not be able to pay the wage demanded by the Organised Labour,” he said.
The Minister said even though Labour is keen on the take-home pay of about 1.2 million workers, the Federal Government is concerned with the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians based on its Guiding Principle of Affordability, Sustainability, and the overall health of the nation’s economy.
Idris appealed to the Organised Labour to return to the negotiating table and embrace reasonable and realistic wages for their members.
He said because of the commitment of the Tinubu administration to the welfare of workers, the wage award of 35,000 for Federal workers would continue until a new national minimum wage is introduced.
Rabiu Ibrahim
Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation.
June 1, 2024
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
British PM Andy Burnham cuts tax on electricity
Effective October 1, Britons will be excused from paying VAT on electricity, and the cost will be taken from the cancelled £1.8 billion digital ID programme, Downing Street said.
World
India’s youth-led Cockroach movement vows to continue protest after police crackdown
The protesters demanded accountability over police brutality against young students during Monday’s clashes.
Hot news Home top
NAFDAC blacklists Onifam laboratories, MD, directors over regulatory violations
Mrs Adeyeye noted that the blacklist would remain in force until otherwise directed by NAFDAC management.
World
French senators restrict under-15 from social media
This ban will place France as the first country in Europe to adopt such a law months after Australia implemented a similar law for under-16s in December 2025.
Economy
FG reforms attracted over $24.1 billion investment, $6.1 billion in non-oil exports: Minister
Ms Oduwole said implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda has attracted more than $24.1 billion in investment and generated more than $6.1 billion in non-oil exports.
States
Bauchi disburses N625 million startup grants to 1,250 youths
Mr Mohammed made the disclosure during the official presentation of the grants at Tafawa Balewa on Tuesday.
