The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has characterized its acceptance of the ₦70,000 minimum wage proposal as a significant act of solidarity, following discussions with President Bola Tinubu on Thursday.
In a communique issued after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Friday, NLC President Joe Ajaero affirmed that the decision to embrace the ₦70,000 wage and its three-year review was unanimously reached after thorough deliberations.
The statement commended the congress’s leadership for its role in negotiating the wage adjustment.
The NEC stressed the need for the comprehensive and stringent implementation of the National Minimum Wage 2024 upon its enactment.
Although acknowledging that the agreed-upon figure was lower than their initial demand, the NLC justified its acceptance by expressing concerns over potential fuel price hikes that could worsen the economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
The NLC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian workers and the interests of the Nigerian people.
President Tinubu had announced the ₦70,000 minimum wage offer following consultations with labour leaders in Abuja and plans to submit a bill to the National Assembly for legislative approval of the figure.