Subsidy removal: NLC reveals minimum wage demand to FG

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has revealed the amount the organised labour will proposed to the Federal Government as minimum wage.

The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, has said the organised labour union would demand N100,000 or N200,000 as the minimum wage.

The labour unions had planned to embark on an indefinite strike on Tuesday but later shelved it after reaching an agreement with the federal government.

Speaking during an interview with Channels TV on Tuesday, Mr Ajaero, said the strike was suspended to give the government time to fulfil its part of the agreement reached with organised labour.

He explained that the N35,000 wage award—part of the government’s offers—is not a new minimum wage.

He said: “So, it is not a minimum wage but it is a wage added to the minimum wage. So, we should in March, April, or before that time negotiate the new wage to be N100,000 or N200,000, it would be inscribed as minimum wage law which should be the law in existence.”

According to him, many factors would be considered in arriving at a new minimum wage.

“Certain things would come into play when we discuss it – inflation, cost of living. Every other thing would come into it,” he added.

“We would not go to ask for N65,000. We would go for a realistic amount because N65,000 is about $70 which is not up to minimum wage,” Mr Ajaero added.

He noted for a new minimum wage to take effect, the National Assembly would play a crucial role.

“The minimum wage is a product of law. Until it is legislated in the national assembly, it is not a minimum wage,” he argued.

DAILY NIGERIAN