Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stated that the N494,000 national minimum wage demanded by organized labour, which totals N9.5 trillion, would destabilize the economy and jeopardize the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians,Daiy Trust reports.
In a statement signed by his Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris mentioned that the Federal Government’s offer of a N60,000 minimum wage, representing a 100% increase from the existing minimum wage, has been accepted by the organized private sector.
“The Federal Government’s New Minimum Wage proposal amounts to a 100% increase on the existing 2019 minimum wage. Labour, however, is demanding N494,000, which is a 1,547% increase on the current wage.
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“The N494,000 national minimum wage sought by Labour would total N9.5 trillion for the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Nigerians need to understand that while the Federal Government is committed to fair remuneration for workers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not support any measure that could lead to massive job losses, especially in the private sector, which may not afford the wage demanded by Organized Labour,” he stated.
Idris noted that while Labour is focused on the take-home pay of about 1.2 million workers, the Federal Government is concerned with the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians, guided by principles of affordability, sustainability, and the overall health of the nation’s economy.
He urged Organized Labour to return to the negotiating table and accept realistic wages for their members.
Idris also mentioned that due to the Federal Government’s commitment to workers’ welfare, the wage award of N35,000 for Federal workers would continue until a new national minimum wage is implemented.
