By Divine Ihechimerem
The Federal Government has agreed to increase the proposed new minimum wage from N60,000 following a meeting with labour leaders in Abuja. The decision, made during a meeting on Monday night, aimed to resolve the dispute over the national minimum wage and end the nationwide strike declared by organised labour.
The President committed to establishing a higher National Minimum Wage, and the Tripartite Committee will convene daily to finalize the agreement.
Additionally, it was agreed that no worker would face victimization for participating in the industrial action.
The resolutions were signed by government representatives and leaders of organised labour. The strike was declared after failed negotiations between the government and labour.
Earlier, the Federal Government had appealed to Labour Unions to end the nation wide strike and instead persevere in ongoing negotiations aimed at establishing a new minimum wage for the Nigerian populace.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said this in a statement obtained by Daily Review Online.
He emphasized government’s earnest desire for a peaceful resolution and reiterated its unwavering commitment to facilitating dialogue. Following a recent meeting between the National Assembly leadership and the Unions, the government has extended another invitation for further discussions.
Idris said the government and the Unions are not adversaries but share a common goal of securing the best interests of the Nigerian people. He stressed the need for a balanced and practical approach, considering the implications of proposed wage increases, which would extend to both the public and private sectors. The government highlighted the substantial financial burden that a drastic wage hike would impose, potentially leading to widespread job losses and detrimental effects on the economy.
He said the government has embarked on broader efforts to alleviate the financial strain on Nigerians through initiatives such as the National Consumer Credit Scheme and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. Minister Idris underscored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to pursuing fair, rational, and sustainable solutions in the wage negotiations.
He urged Labour Unions to reciprocate the government’s goodwill gestures in the interest of national unity and prosperity. The appeal comes amidst ongoing deliberations aimed at addressing the pressing issue of minimum wage, with both parties urged to maintain an open dialogue to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome.