Organized Labour Union in Nigeria, represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has tabled a fresh demand for a minimum wage increase to N615,000 monthly.
This move comes in response to the challenging economic conditions and soaring cost of living across the nation.
Following consultations between the NLC and TUC, the decision to propose the new wage was confirmed by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress to Newsmen.
Citing the inability of the current minimum wage of N30,000 to adequately support the average Nigerian worker, Labour leaders emphasized the urgency for an adjustment, particularly with the expiration of the current wage award in April.
The Minimum Wage Act of 2019, signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari, mandates a review every five years to align with economic realities.
Expressing concerns over non-compliance by some governors with the current wage award, Labour reiterated the necessity for an upward revision to meet contemporary economic demands.
Earlier discussions saw varied proposals, with the NLC suggesting N1 million and the TUC proposing N447,000 as the new minimum wage. However, in the latest proposal, the unions have jointly presented N615,000 as the desired figure.
Inflation, which stood at 31.70% as of February 2024, has exacerbated the cost of living, prompting the unions to push for a wage increase to mitigate the financial strain on workers.
They argue that increased monthly revenue allocations to state governors by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) should enable them to meet the proposed wage adjustment.
