The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) stated on Tuesday that the earlier proposed N200,000 minimum wage was no longer realistic, given the current economic conditions. NLC’s National Vice President, Tommy Etim, clarified that the congress would align its national minimum wage negotiation with the present economic reality, acknowledging the challenges faced.
Etim emphasized that the socio-economic landscape had evolved since the N200,000 proposal, making it untenable. When asked about a specific figure for the committee, Etim mentioned they were not fixed on an amount, but definitely not N200,000, intending to decide based on the socio-economic situation during negotiations.
This response follows the inauguration of the Minimum Wage Committee by Vice President Kashim Shettima, tasked with recommending a new national minimum wage for the country. The Federal Government urged the committee to expedite deliberations, emphasizing collective bargaining and contract adherence.
The tripartite committee, comprising representatives from federal and state governments, the private sector, and organized labour, aims to address the issue of minimum wage amid economic challenges and rising living costs.
