Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, emphasized in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Lagos State that striking would only increase the hardship already faced by Nigerians.
Ifoh stated, “Organised labour should not throw Nigerians into more hardship. The demand for a N494,000 minimum wage is unrealistic and unsustainable as it would require the government to allocate all its funds to paying civil servants.”
He suggested that ongoing negotiation is essential and that both parties should strive to reach a mutually acceptable figure. Ifoh recommended that the labour unions continue discussions with the Federal Government, rather than insisting on a strike that could further escalate living costs and hardships.
Despite pleas from the Federal Government, the organised labour began an indefinite strike on Monday to press for a new national minimum wage. The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria had previously walked out of negotiations after rejecting the government’s increased offer of N60,000. Initial proposals ranged from ₦48,000 to ₦57,000, which were all rejected by labour.
The labour unions had initially proposed ₦615,000, later reduced to ₦497,000, and finally to ₦494,000, citing the rising cost of living.
### Labour Party Urges Re-Negotiation Over Strike, Calls N494,000 Minimum Wage Unrealistic
**By Timeless Update Staff Writer
June 3, 2024**
The Labour Party in Nigeria has urged workers’ unions to re-negotiate with the government on a new minimum wage instead of pursuing industrial action.
Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, emphasized in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Lagos State that striking would only increase the hardship already faced by Nigerians.
Ifoh stated, “Organised labour should not throw Nigerians into more hardship. The demand for a N494,000 minimum wage is unrealistic and unsustainable as it would require the government to allocate all its funds to paying civil servants.”
He suggested that ongoing negotiation is essential and that both parties should strive to reach a mutually acceptable figure. Ifoh recommended that the labour unions continue discussions with the Federal Government, rather than insisting on a strike that could further escalate living costs and hardships.
Despite pleas from the Federal Government, the organised labour began an indefinite strike on Monday to press for a new national minimum wage. The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria had previously walked out of negotiations after rejecting the government’s increased offer of N60,000. Initial proposals ranged from ₦48,000 to ₦57,000, which were all rejected by labour.
The labour unions had initially proposed ₦615,000, later reduced to ₦497,000, and finally to ₦494,000, citing the rising cost of living.
