. Discussions Continue As FG Agrees To Go Beyond N60,000 Minimum Wage
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) may suspend the ongoing nationwide strike today after signing a new agreement with the Federal Government.
This followed a meeting between the parties on Monday, June 3, 2024, at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
According to the agreement, the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage will meet daily for the next week to negotiate a new minimum wage higher than N60,000.
The President has committed to a national minimum wage that exceeds N60,000, and the committee will work to reach a mutually agreeable figure.
The labour unions have agreed to convene an emergency meeting of their organs to consider the government’s commitment, and no worker will be victimized for participating in the industrial action.
This breakthrough was coming after the National Assembly intervened in the negotiations, leading to a resolution that satisfied both parties. The strike, which began on Monday, June 3, will be suspended pending the outcome of the Tripartite Committee’s negotiations.
The agreement reads: “Resolutions reached at the meeting between the Federal Government and Organised Labour held on Monday, 3rd June 2024:
1. The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria is committed to a National Minimum Wage that is higher than N60,000.
2. The Tripartite Committee is to meet every day for the next one week with a view to arriving at an agreeable National Minimum Wage.
3. Labour, in deference to the high esteem of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s commitment, undertakes to convene a meeting of its organs immediately to consider this commitment.
4. No worker would be victimized as a result of the industrial action.”
This development has brought relief to Nigerians who have been affected by the strike, and it is expected that the negotiations will lead to a favorable outcome for workers and the government alike.