Why FG’s Discussion With Labour On Minimum Wage Was Delayed

Discussions on the minimum wage between the federal government and the Labour unions scheduled to begin in January, was delayed as a result of the resignation of Simon Lalong as the Minister of Labour and Employment.

THE WHISTLER had in December last year, reported that Lalong resigned as the labour minister and was sworn in as senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District in the 10th assembly.

A month after his resignation, no official appointment has been made to head the seat of the former minister.

Recall that in July 2023, the TUC demanded a review of the minimum wage from the current N30,000 to N200,000 to cushion the shock of the removal of the fuel subsidy in May 2023 and the naira devaluation.

Speaking to THE WHISTLER, on why the delay in the commencement of the wage, a top source involved in the negotiations said “The delay in the appointment of a minister has stalled negotiations concerning the increase in the minimum wage.

“For discussion on minimum wage to commence, a labour minister must be present, although there is a sitting minister of state, this is a federal discussion affecting all sectors of the economy.

“The TUC president had earlier demanded that minimum wage be raised to N200,000, this demand is still in motion.”

The federal government had assured labour unions in the country that it would fulfil all promises made to them and Nigerian workers.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made the promise on behalf of the government last Wednesday when she visited the office of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

She assured that the government would continue to pay the N35,000 wage award as agreed, including the outstanding balance to workers, and the new minimum wage would also be addressed.

The Minister, however, asked for the labour unions to maintain an open communication channel with the government even as she reiterated that the government of President Bola Tinubu is labour-friendly.