President Bola Tinubu’s proposal to set a minimum wage of ₦250,000 for Nigerian workers was turned down by labour leaders. Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), revealed that the offer was rejected because it was contingent on an increase in petrol prices.
During a meeting with President Tinubu in Abuja, Ajaero explained that the labour movement declined the proposal to protect the interests of Nigerians.
Compromise on ₦70,000 Minimum Wage
Ajaero, speaking on Channels TV’s *Politics Today* on July 18, mentioned that the labour movement accepted a ₦70,000 minimum wage as a compromise to prevent further hardship for Nigerians. He emphasized that while the union is willing to make sacrifices, it will not do so at the expense of the general population.
Fuel Subsidy Removal
On May 29, President Tinubu announced the end of fuel subsidies during his inauguration. This led to immediate fuel scarcity and a significant increase in petrol prices.
Future Wage Reviews
The Organized Labour agreed to a ₦70,000 minimum wage, considering a new wage review cycle that will now occur every three years instead of five. President Tinubu is expected to send an executive bill to the National Assembly to formalize this minimum wage, aiming for a more regular and sustainable approach to wage reviews.
NLC’s Support
In a trending video, NLC and TUC leaders were seen praising President Tinubu with an aluta song at the end of their minimum wage meeting on July 18. The president also promised additional incentives for workers, including the review of the minimum wage every three years.