Victor EzejaThe Nigerian government has again pleaded with the organised labour to end the ongoing nationwide strike and return to negotiation table for a peaceful resolution of all issues regarding the national minimum wage.
In a statement released on Monday, signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed ldris, the Federal Government said it is ever ready to dialogue with labour unions under the auspices of the Tripartite Committee that would lead to a peaceful outcome.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe statement said: “This is a heartfelt and deeply considered appeal to the Labour Unions to continue along the path of negotiations with the Federal and State Governments, under the auspices of the Tripartite Committee that has been established to fashion out a new, realistic minimum wage for the Nigerian people.
“As Government, we are desirous of a peaceful outcome, and we will do everything to make this happen.”
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The minister said the National Assembly met with the unions on Sunday and the Federal Government has extended another invitation to them today to continue discussions and arrive at a minimum wage acceptable to all.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) commenced an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday following the inability of the Tripartite Committee to conclude negotiations on the minimum wage.
The industrial action grounded virtually all socioeconomic activities across the country including shutdown of educational institutions, federal and state government agencies, airports, seaports and power sector among others, as Nigerian workers complied with NLC and TUC directives to down tools.
Many passengers were stranded at the airports just like Nigerians have been thrown into a national blackout since Sunday night as labour unions enforced the strike.
The minister said: “Let me make it clear that we are not opponents on this negotiating table. We are united by the fact that we want the best for the Federal Republic of Nigeria and for all 200 million citizens of the country.
“We have a responsibility to strike a measured and realistic balance, in this effort to arrive at a new minimum wage for Nigerians.”
He stressed that the minimum wage is not only for public sector workers but will also be binding on the private sector. “This reality must be factored into the negotiations.”
Idris further explained that accepting to implement the N494,000 proposed by organised labour would lead to a 1,547 per cent on the existing wage, which translates into an annual wage bill of N9.5 trillion for the Federal Government of Nigeria alone.
“This is apart from its cost implications for sub-
national governments and private sector employees. Such a wage bill would cripple the Nigerian economy, by leading to massive job losses especially in the private sector.”
The minister stressed that the relief that Nigerians need will not only come in the form of increased wages, but can also come as efforts to reduce the cost of living, and to ensure that more money stays in the pockets of Nigerians.
He assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is firmly committed to doing what is right, reasonable and sustainable regarding these minimum wage negotiations. “We call on the Labour Unions to reciprocate this gesture in the interest of the nation,” he added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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