The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has affirmed that the N35,000 wage award, sanctioned by President Bola Tinubu for all treasury-paid workers, will persist until a new minimum wage is established.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NLC President Joe Ajaero announced that the provisional wage increment would endure until the determination of a new minimum wage. The agreement was instated to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal, with President Tinubu’s approval coming into effect from October 1.
Despite the arrangement, the federal government has only fulfilled two months of the wage award, which commenced in September 2023. Ajaero clarified that the payment period would last exclusively for six months, signaling the onset of the national minimum wage thereafter.
Ajaero emphasized, “We did not sign a monthly wage award with the Federal Government; we signed a wage award that will be in existence until the new minimum wage is determined.” He further expressed discontent with the government’s non-compliance with the broader agreement reached with the organized labour.
Additionally, Ajaero highlighted the pending implementation of other issues, including the Port Harcourt refineries, CNG buses, and wage award, assuring workers that these matters are under comprehensive review.
Speaking on the government’s compliance with the agreements, Ajaero urged thorough scrutiny to ensure adherence, asserting, “We have to look at the sanity and compliance to the agreement already entered with the government.”
In conclusion, Ajaero stressed the essentiality of solidifying the agreements at the beginning of the year and underscored the earnest efforts of the NLC in addressing these critical issues.
