The spokesperson for the Federal government, Dele Alake, announced that the government will consider the list of demands presented by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which includes a review of the minimum wage. After a three-hour meeting between the Federal Government and the TUC, Alake stated that the government will also assess the practicality of the demands.
One of the considerations being explored is the possibility of granting tax holidays for workers. Alake further mentioned that President Bola Tinubu will establish a tripartite committee comprising representatives from states, organized labor, and the private sector to study the dynamics of minimum wage augmentation and reach a mutually agreeable resolution.
Alake emphasized that there is no disagreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) regarding their call for a minimum wage review or a return to the previous wage structure. He stated that government representatives will meet with the President to finalize decisions on the demands.
Although the NLC was not present during the meeting, Alake clarified that it does not indicate their isolation from the discussion, and the government is actively seeking to engage with them. Both parties agreed to reconvene 24 hours before the scheduled strike by the NLC, with further discussions taking place on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the TUC has reiterated its request for the Federal Government to lower the fuel price during ongoing discussions, in the interest of social dialogue. Festus Osifo, President of the TUC, expressed hopefulness as the government promised to review their demands, with a particular focus on the inadequate minimum wage. Osifo emphasized that the current minimum wage is insufficient to sustain a decent standard of living, as its value has significantly declined since the previous negotiation.
