Leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have officially accepted President Bola Tinubu's proposal for a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 during an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) held on July 18, 2024. This decision follows extensive negotiations between the NLC and the federal government.
In a communique issued by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the NEC meeting was convened in response to the recent discussions with the federal government, which took place at the Presidential Villa.
The communique highlighted that President Tinubu presided over the meeting, where the new minimum wage was a central topic.
The NEC expressed unanimous support for the ₦70,000 wage and the establishment of a three-year review period for future adjustments. The council commended the leadership of the NLC for their steadfastness and transparency throughout the wage negotiation process.
The communique stated, “The NEC-in-session demands full and strict compliance with the National Minimum Wage 2024 once it is enacted.”
It acknowledged that while the agreed amount falls short of the NLC's initial demands, the decision was made in the spirit of solidarity to prevent a potential increase in petrol prices that could further burden the Nigerian populace.
