organised labour, set to take off on Monday, saying it would compound the
economic woes of citizens.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka
Onyejoecha, who reacted on behalf of the government, cautioned that any new
minimum wage must not lead to widespread job losses, particularly in the
Organised Private Sector, which employs the bulk of the nation’s workforce.
She warned that the strike is not in the best interests of
the country and its people, especially when negotiations are ongoing.
Recall that owing to failure of parties in the tripartite
committee to reach a compromise on a new national minimum wage, the Nigerian
Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, decided to embark on
strike on June 3.
“Going on strike in the middle of ongoing negotiations would
not only compound the economic woes but also exacerbate the suffering of
millions of Nigerians who are already struggling to eke out a living from their
daily endeavors,” Onyejeocha said through her media aide, Emameh Gabriel.
She noted that the “government has consistently demonstrated
commitment and goodwill throughout the negotiations with organised labour”.
According to the Labour Minister, the government’s proposals
were carefully crafted, taking into account the country’s economic realities
and incorporating innovative solutions.
She listed these proposals to include a comprehensive
package featuring a wage increase to N60,000 for federal workers, the
introduction of CNG-fueled buses, and enhanced financial access for Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Additionally, according to her, the government has pledged
investments in strategic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, education,
healthcare and many others that are already in the pipeline.
“This sector is crucial to the country’s economic growth and
stability. The government’s stance is rooted in a deep understanding of the
negotiations, demonstrating its dedication to finding a balance between the
needs of workers and the economic realities of the country. The goal is to
establish a minimum wage that is not only realistic but also sustainable,
avoiding any potentially detrimental consequences for the economy.
“By adopting this approach, the government aims to safeguard
the interests of both workers and employers, ensuring that any agreement
reached is mutually beneficial and does not jeopardise the country’s economic
progress. This balanced stance is crucial for maintaining harmony in the
workforce and driving national growth”, she explained.
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