The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said it would soon begin negotiations with the Federal Government for a new national minimum wage, insisting that the current N70,000 wage is no longer adequate.

This comes as the Network of Abuja Left Groups has also called on Nigerians to rally behind the organised labour’s demand for a new minimum wage of at least N500,000, warning that failure by the Federal Government to reach an agreement could deepen hardship across the country.

Speaking at the Rights of Workers Summit in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, over the weekend, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said workers should prepare for fresh negotiations.

Ajaero, who was represented by the union’s Deputy President, Audu Amba, argued that the current minimum wage could no longer meet workers’ basic needs amid the rising inflation and the increasing cost of living.

“Anything less than N500,000 cannot cater for workers,” he said. “The current minimum wage is due for review, and we will soon begin negotiations with the government.”

Also speaking, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, represented by the Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, stated that the worsening economic conditions had eroded workers’ purchasing power.

He cited rising food prices, transport fares, rent and inflation as factors making the current wage inadequate. Osifo urged employers to comply with labour laws by ensuring fair remuneration and better welfare for workers.

On his part, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State pledged support for labour’s demand for improved wages, stating that Nigerian workers deserve better welfare.

He added, “We must work together to improve the welfare of workers. As a member of the Governors’ Forum, I will support efforts to secure better remuneration for them,” the governor said.

The group, in a statement by six civil society and socialist organisations, said the minimum wage dispute should not be viewed as a matter affecting only public servants, but as a broader struggle for economic survival and dignity.

It urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nigerians nationwide to prepare to support labour as the August 11 deadline approaches.

The statement, signed by Omole Ibukun of Creative Change Centre and Akande Daniel of Anti-Imperialist Nigeria, among others, noted that higher wages would benefit the wider economy by increasing workers’ purchasing power and boosting patronage of farmers, traders, transport operators, artisans, landlords and small businesses.

It further argued that the rising cost of essential commodities and services – including food, transportation, electricity, cooking gas, rent, medicines and school fees – had significantly eroded the purchasing power of Nigerian workers. (The Guardian)

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