The Nigerian Labour Congress has proposed that the Federal government government N300,000 as the new minimum wage.
Labour had months ago proposed N200,000 but had jettisoned it for N300,000 because it is no longer realistic, considering the current economic situation of the country.
National Vice President, Tommy Eremarkedmark while reacting to the inauguration of the Minimum Wage Committee by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday.
“You are aware that when we opted for the N200,000, the socio-economic challenges were not as biting as they are now.
“And when you now look at the exchange rate, it was not what it is now. The naira rah te not been devalued as it is now. So, N200,000 is no longer tenable.”
However, the Chairman of the Tripartite Committee that was inaugurated by the federal government on Tuesday, Buka Goni Aji said a new wage would be based on what prevails in the West African countries.
”We don’t have any figure in mind. We want a very, very realistic approach, based on certain conventions on the reality of the Nigerian economy, based also on what you have in oneighboringing West Africa.
”Nigerian worker, everyone, deserves a rise in his pay package. Honestly, we want a situation where Nigerian workers are sufficiently motivated they would do very well.
“Because they are productive because they are creative, they are full of initiatives, human resource base.
”I want to believe and strongly too that is second to none in Africa.
“That is why we are here today to ensure that our actions are in line and conformity with the law and expectation and aspiratioofith the Nigerian worker.”
