Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), reaffirmed that negotiations for a new minimum wage have not been abandoned, emphasizing that ₦250,000 is the ideal minimum wage for workers in Nigeria. Speaking at the maiden Annual Convention of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Women Commission in Abuja on July 9, 2024, Osifo clarified that discussions with the government are ongoing.
Osifo highlighted that the silence from labour unions is to allow President Bola Tinubu to consult with various stakeholders, including governors, Local Government chairmen, the organised private sector, and labour representatives. He stressed the importance of these consultations to ensure the new minimum wage caters to the poorest citizens.
In June, the Federal Government and the Organised Private Sector proposed ₦62,000 as the new minimum wage, which labour unions rejected. The government argued that ₦62,000 was the most realistic option that would not lead to job losses. Despite this, the TUC remains steadfast in advocating for a ₦250,000 minimum wage.
