The NLC stressed the need to inform the President, Nigerians, and stakeholders that those who briefed him on the outcome of the tripartite negotiations did not accurately represent the situation.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has clarified that no specific figure was agreed upon for the new minimum wage during negotiations with the Federal Government and Organised Private Sector (OPS), contrary to President Bola Tinubu's statement in his Democracy Day address.
In a statement signed by its Acting President Prince Adewale Adeyanju, the NLC reaffirmed their demand for a minimum wage of N250,000, noting that there have been no compelling reasons to change the position which they consider a significant concession from Nigerian workers.
The NLC stressed the need to inform the President, Nigerians, and stakeholders that those who briefed him on the outcome of the tripartite negotiations did not accurately represent the situation.
“We reiterate that it will be extremely difficult for Nigerian workers to accept any national minimum wage figure that approximates to a starvation wage. We cannot be working and yet remain in abject poverty,” the NLC stated.
While appreciating the President's commitment to democratic ideals, the NLC highlighted its expectation that the President would have harmonised the figures submitted by the Tripartite Committee in favour of workers. The NLC expressed surprise at the President’s claim of an agreement, emphasising that no such agreement was reached.
The NLC also mentioned that they have not seen the document submitted to the President and will not accept any altered version. They called on the President to demonstrate his commitment to Nigerian workers by preparing an Executive Bill reflecting their true demands and rejecting advice aimed at undermining workers’ welfare.
The statement further pointed out that the President’s advisers did not fully inform him about the intimidation and harassment faced by trade union leaders during the negotiations, including being surrounded by armed soldiers.
The NLC urged the President to act in favour of Nigerian workers and uphold his promise of lifting them out of poverty.