In a high-stakes meeting at the State House in Abuja, representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have gathered to negotiate with President Bola Tinubu on the contentious issue of a new national minimum wage.
This meeting comes amid escalating tensions between organized Labour and the Nigerian government.
On Wednesday, it was reported that the government was close to reaching an agreement with the labour unions.
President Tinubuโs invitation to the representatives of organized labour to meet at the Aso Villa today was seen as a critical step towards resolving the ongoing dispute over minimum wage.
Labour unions have been steadfast in their demand for a minimum wage of N250,000, a figure they argue is necessary to keep pace with the rising cost of living. However, the Nigerian government has countered with an offer of N62,000, citing economic constraints.
State governments and the private sector have voiced concerns about the feasibility of paying even the governmentโs proposed N62,000 wage, highlighting the financial strain it could impose.
As the meeting progresses, the nation watches closely, anticipating how much President Tinubu will propose in this latest round of negotiations.
The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for workers across the country and the overall economic stability of Nigeria.