In a heated exchange over the ongoing negotiations for a new minimum wage, Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, Bukar Goni Aji, urged Labour to reconsider its demand of N250,000, citing economic constraints and recent government initiatives aimed at alleviating financial burdens on citizens.
Aji highlighted various governmental incentives such as the N35,000 wage adjustment for federal workers, allocations for gas-fueled buses and conversions, conditional grants, and financial support for small enterprises and households. These, he argued, were reasons for Labour to accept the government’s offer of N62,000 instead of its initial demand.
In response, Labour representatives criticized Aji’s stance, accusing him of being disconnected from the harsh realities faced by Nigerian workers amidst rising living costs and economic pressures. They emphasized that their demand was based on extensive nationwide surveys that underscored the current economic hardships experienced by average Nigerian families.
“We have carefully considered the chairman’s appeal but it reflects a limited understanding of the actual hardships faced by Nigerian workers,” a Labour spokesperson stated. “The cost of living has escalated dramatically due to governmental policies that have increased prices of essential goods and services.”
Labour reiterated its demand for a minimum wage of N250,000, arguing that this figure was necessary to ensure workers’ basic needs could be met given current market prices.
Meanwhile, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, attributed governors’ rejection of the N62,000 minimum wage to lean financial resources available to states and local governments. He stressed the need for realistic wage negotiations that align with economic realities.
In a separate development, the Orthodox Anglican Communion urged the federal and state governments to prioritize fiscal prudence and accountability while ensuring Nigerian workers receive a living wage commensurate with their contributions to national development.
The debate continues amidst calls for dialogue and national unity, with Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, urging Labour to consider any revised offer from the federal government above N60,000 in the interest of national harmony and economic stability.
