THE Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has urged the Organised Labor to halt its ongoing industrial action, which has significantly impacted economic activities in the country.
Onyejeocha emphasized that determining a new minimum wage is not solely the Federal Government’s decision, as it involves state governments and the Organised Private Sector.
Speaking on the first day of the strike, the minister highlighted the role of the tripartite committee in ensuring wage agreements are upheld across different entities.
She pointed out that some state governments are struggling to meet the current ₦30,000 minimum wage, let alone the proposed ₦494,000 requested by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Onyejeocha described the demand for ₦494,000 as “highly impossible,” expressing concerns that such a substantial increase would place a severe burden on businesses, potentially resulting in significant job losses.
She stressed the widespread impact of the strike on various sectors like businesses, airports, universities, hospitals, and power supply, urging Labor to reconsider its stance, suspend the strike, and return to negotiations for a reasonable wage agreement.
The minister emphasized the importance of setting a realistic wage that aligns with productivity and affordability in the private sector, advocating for a sustainable payment structure within the tripartite committee.
She encouraged the unions to consider the government and Organised Private Sector’s ₦60,000 offer, cautioning that the demand for ₦494,000 could escalate inflation in Nigeria beyond its current 33.69%.
Onyejeocha reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the wage issue effectively and collaboratively, underscoring the necessity for a wage review to meet the evolving economic needs of workers.
Despite failed negotiations and a looming deadlock between Labor and government representatives, efforts are ongoing to resolve the impasse and find a mutually agreeable solution.
