The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has explained why it accepted President Bola Tinubu’s proposal of a N70,000 minimum wage. NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that the unions agreed to the offer due to additional incentives and the promise of regular reviews.
Ajaero told reporters after a meeting with President Tinubu, “We accepted the N70,000 minimum wage because the President promised a review every three years, which is better than what we had before.”
President Tinubu approved the new wage on Thursday during a meeting with NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) leaders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. This meeting came a week after their initial discussions.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the approval on X, stating, “President Bola Tinubu has approved N70,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers with a promise to review the national minimum wage law every three years.”
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Onanuga also noted that Tinubu promised to help the private sector and sub-national governments implement the new wage. Additionally, the President pledged to address the unpaid four months’ salaries owed to university unions.
The new minimum wage, pending approval by the National Assembly, will replace the previous N30,000 minimum wage, which expired on April 18, 2024. Labour leaders praised Tinubu for his “fatherly gesture” and commitment to improving workers’ conditions.