Organized Labour Stands Firm on May 31 Ultimatum for Minimum Wage Agreement.

The Organized Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has reaffirmed its May 31 deadline for the Federal Government to finalize the new national minimum wage. This decision was confirmed during a joint emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, underscoring the urgency of addressing the wage issue amidst current economic challenges faced by Nigerian workers.

In a statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo, the labour leaders emphasized the need for an agreement that genuinely reflects the contributions of Nigerian workers and addresses the ongoing survival crisis amplified by government policies. The NEC acknowledged the progress made so far but stressed that further delays are unacceptable.

The labour bodies also issued a directive to all state councils, where the N30,000 national minimum wage has not been fully implemented, to issue a two-week ultimatum to their respective state governments to avoid industrial action. Additionally, they demanded an immediate reversal of the recent electricity tariff hike and criticized the categorization of tariffs into bands, which they argue exacerbates the suffering of workers and citizens.

The statement concluded with a call for unity and solidarity among all affiliate unions, workers, and Civil Society Organisations across Nigeria, urging them to remain steadfast in their support during this critical period. The Organized Labour's demands remain non-negotiable, and they have urged the government to prioritize resolving these issues to ensure industrial peace and protect workers' welfare.