CurrentReport Blog On Democracy Day, June 12, President Bola Tinubu assured Nigerians of a forthcoming new national minimum wage, but the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed dissatisfaction with the speech, stating that workers were expecting more concrete actions.
Comrade Prince Adewale Adeyanju, the Acting President of the NLC, commended President Tinubu for his democratic principles and recognition of Nigeria’s democratic journey. However, he voiced concern that the President has been misinformed regarding the progress and outcomes of the minimum wage negotiations.
In his Democracy Day address, President Tinubu stated, “As we continue to reform the economy, I shall always listen to the people and will never turn my back on you. In this spirit, we have negotiated in good faith and with open arms with organized labour on a new national minimum wage. We shall soon send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of our law for the next five years or less.”
While the President highlighted a cooperative approach to addressing labour’s demands, including averting a national strike without resorting to force, Adeyanju insists that there was no final agreement on the minimum wage. He emphasized that the NLC had submitted a proposal for a minimum wage of N250,000, which they believe is a fair concession reflecting the needs of Nigerian workers.
Adeyanju remarked, “We are surprised at the submission of Mr. President over a supposed agreement. We believe that he may have been misled into believing that there was an agreement with the NLC and TUC. There was none, and it is important that we let the President, Nigerians, and other national stakeholders understand this immediately to avoid a mix-up in the ongoing conversation around the national minimum wage.”
The NLC President also highlighted concerns that the President’s advisers have not fully disclosed the challenges faced by labour leaders during the negotiation process. He noted that labour leaders were subjected to intimidation and harassment by government operatives, despite public denials.
Adeyanju called for the President to act on the true demands of Nigerian workers and prepare an Executive Bill that accurately reflects the recommendations of the Tripartite National Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee. He urged President Tinubu to ignore advice that does not favor the poor and struggling workers of Nigeria and to fulfill his promise to uplift Nigerian workers from poverty.
