The Nigerian Federal Government and the Labour Union are currently in an emergency meeting in Abuja as the nationwide strike over a new minimum wage continues to disrupt economic activities.
The meeting, attended by key government officials and labour leaders, aims to find a resolution to the ongoing strike.
The strike, which began on Monday June 3rd, has had a significant impact on businesses, airports, universities, hospitals, and power supply.
The Labour Union is demanding a new minimum wage, stating that the current wage of ₦30,000 is insufficient to meet the needs of workers. They argue that the Minimum Wage Act of 2019, signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, should be reviewed every five years to align with the economic demands of workers.
Despite several negotiations between the government and the Labour Union, no agreement has been reached.
The government has made three offers, with the latest being ₦60,000, which the Labour Union rejected. The Union is now insisting on ₦494,000 as the new minimum wage.
Last-minute talks between labour leaders and the National Assembly leadership failed, leading to the continuation of the strike. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has stated that the workers’ demands are not affordable, emphasizing the need to consider other ways of supporting workers’ cost of living.
The outcome of the ongoing meeting between the Federal Government and the Labour Union remains uncertain, as both parties seek to find a resolution to the strike and address the issue of a new minimum wage.
