The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, stating that workers would prefer to remain at home or offer free services rather than accept the proposed N48,000 new minimum wage. This statement was made by the Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Sunday.
Failed Negotiations and Insult to Workers’ Sensibilities
The tension between the NLC and the Federal Government escalated on Wednesday when both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress walked away from the negotiation table. The Federal Government had proposed a new minimum wage of N48,000, which was significantly lower than the N615,000 demanded by the unions. This offer was deemed “an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerian workers” by the labour leaders, who expressed their outrage at an emergency press conference following the session.
Ultimatum and Further Negotiations
In response to the failed negotiations, the Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, Alhaji Bukar Goni, extended an invitation to the unionists to return for another negotiation on Tuesday. The invitation, dated May 16, aims to resolve the ongoing dispute.
However, Prof. Ndubuaku has made it clear that the NLC will not back down unless the government presents a significantly improved offer. He criticized the government and state governors for their reluctance to pay a robust minimum wage despite increased allocations.
Workers Prepared to Stay Home or Offer Free Services
Prof. Ndubuaku highlighted the discontent among workers and the drastic measures the NLC is prepared to take if their demands are not met. “We have given the FG an ultimatum. If the new minimum wage is not out by the end of this month, we will all go and sit at home. Instead of us taking N48,000 per month, we will tell workers to work for free for the government or turn to artisans’ work. That is where we are now,” he declared.
He further expressed his disbelief at the government’s thought process, questioning whether the proposed wage was intended as a palliative measure. He emphasized that the breakdown provided by the NLC clearly demonstrated the inadequacy of the proposed minimum wage.
Government Out of Touch with Reality
Criticism was also directed at the government’s apparent disconnect from its own data. Prof. Ndubuaku pointed out that the National Bureau of Statistics had released a document showing the average cost of foodstuffs to be N900 per day. “Does it mean this government is not in touch with its own agency before coming up with N48,000 as minimum wage? It is either they are living in denial or they just want to insult us,” he remarked.
Looking Forward to a Robust Arrangement
As the next round of negotiations approaches, Prof. Ndubuaku stressed the importance of a comprehensive plan that addresses the needs and hopes of the workers. He called for the government to outline clear strategies for food security, transportation subsidies, health insurance, and other critical issues.
“We are looking forward to a robust arrangement this Tuesday. We can’t be talking about Renewed Hope without putting up any road map or package to match the hope of the people. They also need to tell us what plan they have for food security, subsidy on transportation even if they have to use CNG buses and other issues like health insurance. By Tuesday, we will go back to see what will come out of it,” he concluded.
The NLC’s stance highlights the growing discontent among Nigerian workers and the urgent need for the government to address their demands with tangible solutions.
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Written By: Doris Chinwe Omemgbeoji