The Federal Government has appealed to Organised Labour to reconsider its decision to embark on an indefinite strike starting Monday, June 3, 2024, in response to the government's refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000. Emphasizing the welfare of the masses, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, described the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) as crucial partners in Nigeria’s development. He insisted that industrial action is not the solution to the ongoing minimum wage negotiations.
This plea follows Organised Labour's announcement of a nationwide strike due to the government's failure to increase the proposed minimum wage and reverse the recent electricity tariff hike to N65/kWh. NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC counterpart Festus Osifo expressed deep disappointment over the government’s inability to finalize and enact a new National Minimum Wage Act. They criticized the lack of serious commitment demonstrated in recent meetings, which saw no significant government representation.
During a press briefing, Ajaero highlighted the ultimatum given to the government on May Day to conclude the minimum wage negotiations by the end of the month. Despite a nationwide protest on May 13, 2024, the government has yet to respond positively. Ajaero stated that Nigerian workers, the backbone of the nation's economy, deserve fair wages reflecting current economic realities. He condemned the government’s neglect and its attempts to intimidate union leaders instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue.
In light of the ongoing deadlock, Ajaero declared that the indefinite strike would commence on June 3, 2024, to demand the completion of the minimum wage negotiations, reversal of the electricity tariff hike, and cessation of the discriminatory categorization of electricity consumers. He called on all affiliated unions, civil society organizations, and the general populace to prepare for decisive action.
The government, through Minister Idris Mohammed, reiterated its commitment to negotiating in good faith and urged Labour to remain partners in progress. He appealed for Labour’s understanding and emphasized the need to avoid actions that could further destabilize the nation’s economy.
Meanwhile, key unions in the power, oil, and gas sectors, including the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), have vowed to join the strike, potentially leading to nationwide fuel shortages and power outages. NUPENG President William Akporeha and PENGASSAN’s Kingsley Udoidua confirmed their unions' participation, while NUEE's acting Secretary-General Ogochukwu Igwebike affirmed that electricity workers would also strike.
The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders indicated they would not join the strike, stressing the importance of dialogue and the need to avoid further economic disruption.
The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) defended the government’s N60,000 minimum wage proposal as reasonable given current economic challenges. OPSN highlighted the potential negative impact of Labour’s demands on small and medium enterprises and job sustainability. They called for a balanced approach that considers workers' needs, economic realities, and business viability.
The tripartite committee on minimum wage, which includes representatives from the Federal Government, state governments, and the private sector, supported the N60,000 proposal, emphasizing non-monetary incentives and recent government interventions aimed at alleviating economic hardships. The committee urged both sides to continue negotiations in good faith to reach a fair resolution.
Efforts to obtain comments from Presidential Spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale and Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, were unsuccessful.
