President Bola Tinubu has advised labour leaders to be realistic in their demands for a new national minimum wage, urging them to “cut their coat according to available cloth.”
He made the statement during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
While the organized labour is pushing for a minimum wage of N250,000, the federal government has proposed N62,000.
Tinubu emphasized the need for a balanced approach, stating, “You have to cut your coat according to available cloth. Before we can finalize on the minimum wage process, we have to look at the structure.”
He also questioned the traditional five-year review cycle, suggesting a more flexible approach.
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The President expressed concern for the welfare of Nigerian workers, promising improved conditions and prioritizing their concerns. “I pay attention to everything around me. A happy worker is a productive worker. And society depends on the productivity of the happy worker,” he said.
NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero emphasized the need for an upward adjustment to the minimum wage, noting, “Between living wage and minimum wage, we need to find a balance. Things are difficult for the Nigerian workers.” He commended the President on the Supreme Court’s judgement affirming local government financial autonomy.
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TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo highlighted the impact of inflation on the value of the naira and praised the government’s initiatives to address rising food and transportation costs.
He welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgement, stating, “History will not forget what has happened today. With this judgement, we believe Nigeria will make progress.”
Further talks were adjourned until next week to allow for wider consultation with all stakeholders.
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