The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed disappointment in President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech, where he assured the workforce of a new minimum wage but failed to deliver the expected announcement.
Acting NLC President, Comrade Prince Adewale Adeyanju, reacting on behalf of the union, acknowledged that while the President recounted parts of Nigeria’s democratic history accurately, he seemed misinformed about the wage negotiation process’s outcome.
Adeyanju highlighted that the NLC had anticipated the President would harmonize the figures submitted by the Tripartite Committee in favor of workers, viewing it as a fitting Democracy Day gift.
Quoting President Tinubu, “As we continue to reform the economy, I shall always listen to the people and will never turn my back on you… 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.”
Despite these assurances, Adeyanju emphasized that the NLC had not reached any agreement on the base figure for a National Minimum Wage, maintaining their demand for N250,000. He expressed surprise at the President’s assertion of an agreement, suggesting that the President may have been misled.
The NLC President also noted that union leaders faced intimidation and harassment during negotiations, contradicting the government’s claims of a peaceful process. He urged the President to recognize the true demands of Nigerian workers in the forthcoming executive bill and resist advice from those who might undermine his promises.
Adeyanju reiterated the NLC’s commitment to justice, equity, and fairness, stressing that Nigerian workers deserve a living wage that lifts them out of poverty. He called on President Tinubu to honor his promise and build a sustainable democracy that benefits all Nigerians.
