The Federal Government’s proposal to increase the minimum wage to ₦54,000 has been rejected by labour unions, who are demanding a minimum wage of ₦615,000.
The Tripartite Committee on the New Minimum Wage reconvened on Tuesday, but the meeting ended without an agreement.
The Organised Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has given the Federal Government until May 31 to meet their demands.
If an agreement is not reached, labour unions have threatened to embark on industrial action.
The Federal Government’s proposal is a far cry from the ₦615,000 demanded by labour unions, which is based on the current economic reality and the needs of an average Nigerian family of six.
The cost of living has risen significantly following the removal of fuel subsidy, making a new minimum wage a pressing issue.
Labour leaders have insisted that they will not back down on their demands, and are prepared to take industrial action if necessary.
