We’re optimistic Tinubu will increase minimum wage figure — Labour

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have expressed optimism following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, anticipating an increase in the new minimum wage, which currently stands at N62,000.

Sources within the labour groups, speaking anonymously to Tribune Online, indicated that President Tinubu conveyed empathy and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Nigerian workers. They described the meeting as constructive, with the President showing a fatherly concern towards the plight of workers and the broader populace.

“We are hopeful that Mr President will raise the proposed minimum wage from N62,000 to a more substantial figure,” remarked one source.

The delegation from labour, led by the Ministers of State for Labour and Employment, was joined by key government officials including the Ministers of Finance and Information, the NSA, CSO, and Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL. The discussions covered various issues, including the frequency of minimum wage reviews, which President Tinubu indicated should be more frequent than the current five-year interval.

“While specific figures were not discussed in this meeting, we have agreed to reconvene within a week to delve into the details, including economic challenges and the value of the minimum wage,” explained one of the sources.

The meeting also addressed broader economic issues such as fuel subsidy removal, with Mele Kyari providing insights on its implications. President Tinubu concluded by urging the labour delegation to reflect on the discussions and formulate a position that considers current realities.

“We maintain our stance on N250,000 as the minimum wage figure until our next meeting with Mr President,” reaffirmed one of the labour leaders.

Labour also took the opportunity to commend President Tinubu for his support of the recent Supreme Court ruling on Local Government autonomy.

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