The organised labour union in Nigeria has formally presented a new minimum wage proposal of N436,500, for Nigerian workers.
The proposal was articulately put forward by the Chairman of the Trade Union Side, Joint Meeting of the National Public Service Negotiating Council, Comrade Benjamin Anthony, during the 2023 meetings of the Separate and Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council held in Goshen City, Nasarawa State, on Tuesday.
Comrade Anthony attributed the need for this proposed increase to the significant fall in the value of the naira against the dollar.
He highlighted that the removal of the fuel subsidy had further eroded the purchasing power of the current minimum wage, which stands at N30,000.
He said the economic challenges faced by workers, coupled with inflationary pressures, prompted the union to advocate for a new living wage that reflects the current economic realities.
In his presentation, Comrade Anthony emphasized that the average Nigerian worker is grappling with the consequences of inflation, making it imperative for the government to proactively address their economic concerns.
He urged the government to take swift action not only in implementing the proposed new minimum wage but also in expediting the process of paying arrears related to the N35,000 wage award.
”This call for an enhanced minimum wage aligns with our commitment to safeguarding the welfare and livelihoods of Nigerian workers.
”As the economic landscape evolves, the proposed increase aims to provide relief to workers and ensure that their earnings can cope with the rising cost of living,” he stated.
In response to the economic challenges faced by the working class, the labour union called for immediate measures to address the arrears of the N35,000 wage award.
The union emphasized the urgency of the actions to mitigate the impact of inflation on the real income of workers and foster economic well-being.
”We will monitor developments to assess how the government responds to our advocacy for improved remuneration that reflects the current economic dynamics,” he added.
