Return to negotiation table, Buhari Media Group pleads with NLC

Ahead of next week commencement of organised Labour indefinite strike to push for its demand for N30,000 as new minimum wage, the Buhari Media Organisation, (BMO) has appealed to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliates to moderate its position and reach an amicable solution with the government on the minimum wage negotiations. 

In a statement signed by Niyi Akinsiju and Cassidy Madueke, Chairman and Secretary respectively, of the BMO, they called on Labour to reason with the position of government and return to the negotiation table.

“Government’s position is formed from an understanding of its revenue and expenditure, not because it is selfish, but because it would not propose a sum that it cannot pay.

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“It is remarkable that the offer of the Federal Government, compared to that of the Organised Private Sector and the State Governments, is the highest in fact.

“Notwithstanding, while we acknowledge that more can be done for the welfare of the Nigerian worker, we must start from somewhere. The proposition of the Federal Government to pay 24,500 Naira is a significant increase in the previous minimum wage. It is a good start going forward.”

The group said the N24,500 proposed by the federal government  was a good start point on the minimum wage conversation and could  be built upon in the coming years.

The group  further to noted  that a strike action by labour could have far-reaching negative effect that would not only affect the Nigerian government, but more painfully, hit hard on the everyday Nigerian people.

“The good thing is that government is negotiating and willing to sit on the table and improve the working conditions of the Nigerian people. Labour should, in the interest of the Nigerian people, sit on the table with government and heed to their engagements.”

The group noted that the President Buhari administration was committed to the welfare of the Nigerian people and would do all that was needed to see to the betterment of their lives.