The Federal Government is attempting to establish a new national minimum wage to help Nigerian workers who are struggling financially
During a capacity-building workshop for labour correspondents on Tuesday in Abuja, Dr Kamil Shoretire, the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, made this revelation.
Shoretire affirmed that discussions were in progress to establish a formal date for talks.
“We are yet to announce the timetable for that, but background discussions are already ongoing.
“When it’s time to get the press involved in what has been proposed and what is being negotiated, it will be revealed to you,” he said.
According to him, the government was also engaging workers in sectors where disputes over salaries and allowances remained unresolved.
This followed intense pressure from organised labour groups to review the current N70,000 national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government in 2024.
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The workers are also requesting an increase to N500,000 and an immediate wage award. They equally demanded a reduction in the petrol price to N500 per litre.
In July, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) declared its readiness for a major nationwide campaign to push for a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage, warning that the fight for better workers’ welfare will require collective action.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, made the statement during the commissioning of the Comrade Godwin Abumisi Pensioners Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja.
Ajaero said discussions about workers’ welfare must also include pensioners who have retired after years of service, stressing that their wellbeing remains an important part of labour advocacy.
He urged workers and pensioners to prepare for the ideological and economic challenges ahead, as the labour movement intensifies efforts to secure improved living conditions for Nigerian workers and retirees.
According to the NLC president, the struggle for a fairer wage system and improved social protection would require unity and determination from all stakeholders.
