N20,000 based on capacity, ability of what public, private sectors can pay—FG
Whereas the Nigerian organized labour has continued to maintain their stand on a higher figure, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige has said that the government figure of N20,000 (just additional 2,000 to the existing N18,000) remains what both the government and private sector can pay.
However, the NLC has accused the federal government of insincerity and mischief, saying that what was agreed on at the negotiations was N30,000. As a warning shot, NLC said its members would hold nationwide rallies on Tuesday to show the workers’ outrage over the delay in approving a new minimum wage.
In a statement jointly signed by the President of the NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, the President of the TUC, Mr. Bobboi Bala Kaigama, and President of the United Labour Congress (ULC), Mr. Joe Ajaero, the unions said the one day mourning would be used to sensitise Nigerians on the plight of workers.
The Minister further stressed that objections to the figure can lead to a labour crisis which the country cannot afford to stand right now.
Director of Press in the ministry, Samuel Olowookere in a statement stated that the minister insisted that it has become imperative for the organised labour to accept a new national minimum wage.
Ngige further explained that the figure was in line with social dialogue and the overall interest of the nation.
The minister’s position seems to be coming few hours after the labour group issued a notice that it may be forced to embark on indefinite strike effective November 6, to press home their demand of new and reasonable minimum wage.
Accordingly, Ngige called on the leadership of the NECA to weigh its influence on the Organised Labour to accede to the new national minimum wage figure mutually agreeable to all the partners.
Business Hilights recalls that NECA is one of the tripartite committee working to arrive at a minimum wage for workers in both public and private sectors of the economy.
