The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have agreed to suspend their strike for five days, a senior NLC official confirmed on Tuesday. The suspension comes after a six-hour meeting with government representatives in Abuja, during which the Federal Government expressed a commitment to increase the minimum wage beyond N60,000.
The strike, which began on Monday, was launched in response to the Federal Government’s failure to approve a new minimum wage by the May 31 deadline and its refusal to reverse the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
“The centres are expected to issue a statement shortly before the commencement of negotiations with the government,” an NLC leader told our correspondent.
During Monday night’s negotiations, the Federal Government, represented by Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris and Minister of State for Labour and Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to addressing workers’ demands.
“The President of Nigeria, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, is committed to establishing a National Minimum Wage higher than N60,000; and the Tripartite Committee will convene daily for the next week to finalise an agreeable National Minimum Wage,” the agreement stated.
Organized labour leaders also agreed to hold immediate meetings to consider the new offer and assured that no worker would face repercussions for participating in the industrial action. “No worker would face victimisation as a consequence of participating in the industrial action,” the resolution affirmed.
As both sides prepare to return to the negotiating table, the temporary suspension of the strike provides a brief respite for Nigerians affected by the disruption. The coming days will be crucial as the Tripartite Committee, consisting of government, labor, and private sector representatives, meets daily to negotiate a new minimum wage.
The strike had significantly impacted various sectors, including aviation, power, banking, and telecommunications, causing widespread inconvenience and economic strain. The NLC and TUC’s decision to suspend the strike reflects a cautious optimism that the government will follow through on its commitments.
“After our extensive meeting, we have decided to suspend the strike for five days to allow for continued negotiations,” an NLC leader told our correspondent. “We expect the government to honor its commitment to a higher minimum wage, and we will be closely monitoring the progress of these discussions.”
The labor unions’ willingness to suspend the strike demonstrates their intent to find a resolution through dialogue, while the government’s readiness to negotiate signals a potential breakthrough in the ongoing dispute over wages and tariffs. As negotiations resume, workers across Nigeria remain hopeful for a positive outcome that addresses their economic challenges and improves their living standards.