NLC Insists on ₦250,000 Minimum Wage Ahead of Meeting With Tinubu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has affirmed its stance to push for a ₦250,000 minimum wage during its scheduled meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, today.

This development follows an invitation extended to Labour leaders by the President as part of his commitment to engage stakeholders further on the minimum wage issue, as announced during his Democracy Day speech on June 12, 2024.

Speaking on behalf of the NLC, Benson Upah, Head of Public Affairs, emphasized their unwavering demand for ₦250,000, citing the escalating cost of living as justification for the figure.

“We are going to the table with our demand of ₦250,000 even as the cost of living has since moved up. We have been very reasonable and patriotic,” Upah stated in an interview with Punch.

Previously, Tinubu received the report of the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. The report recommended a ₦62,000 minimum wage, based on submissions by federal, state governments, and the Organised Private Sector.

Despite this recommendation, Labour remains steadfast in its demand for ₦250,000, while state governors have expressed concerns about their capacity to meet even the ₦62,000 proposal.

The outcome of today’s meeting between the NLC and President Tinubu is awaited with anticipation as discussions continue over the future of Nigeria’s minimum wage policy.