Drama As Labour Makes U-Turn, Reduces N615,000 Minimum Wage Demand From FG

Organised Labour has made a U-turn and adjusted its demand for a new National Minimum Wage from the Federal Government.

The Organised Labour revised its National Minimum Wage demand from N615,000 to N500,000.

The decision was reached by the labour unions during the ongoing Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

Speaking to Vanguard, a source familiar with the meeting disclosed, “Labour has been requested to shift in response to the Government. They complied and came down to N500,000.”

The source further revealed that the government team remains steadfast in its offer of N54,000, citing financial constraints and the private sector’s purported inability to meet higher wage demands.

Additionally, the private sector has augmented its initial offer from N54,000 to N57,000, with an additional N3,000.

Regarding the government’s stance, the source explained, “The Government has agreed that NLC is using evidence-based presentation. But they argue that eight states are not paying or not fully implementing the 2019 minimum wage.”

Furthermore, the source noted the presence of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, at the meeting, highlighting his involvement despite not being a committee member. This presence was seen as a positive development given the consistent absence of six governors who are part of the committee.