The dialogue between the Federal Government and Organised Labour on the minimum wage has been temporarily halted, resuming tomorrow for further negotiations. This adjournment by the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage is awaiting the submission of a salary template to President Bola Tinubu by Finance Minister, Wale Edun.
Following Tinubu’s directive to present the financial implications within 48 hours, the negotiation team, led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, convened at the presidential villa in Abuja. Labour union sources revealed a decision to await the presidential template before proceeding with negotiations.
A top labour official emphasized the significance of this template for the negotiation process, expressing confidence in progress once presented. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reiterated the President’s commitment to accepting the committee’s resolutions, ensuring a balanced approach to government promises and realities.
Tinubu instructed government representatives to collaborate with the private sector and sub-national entities to achieve an affordable wage. The minister assured swift action, aiming to finalize a new minimum wage within a week.
Despite the National Assembly’s intervention, a nationwide strike ensued, impacting various sectors, including airlines. United Nigeria Airlines and Ibom Air reported significant revenue losses and logistical challenges due to flight cancellations.
Aviation stakeholders emphasized the widespread economic repercussions of the strike, affecting airlines, airport terminals, concessionaires, and taxi services. They highlighted the urgency for the government and labour unions to expedite negotiations and urged realism and honesty in the process.
Debo Adeniran of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership urged swift resolution, emphasizing the need for realistic positions and timely conclusions. Auwal Rafsanjani of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre echoed the call for honesty and realism from the government to restore dignity in labour negotiations.
