Minimum Wage: Suspense As Union Leaders, Labour Minister Jet Out Of Nigeria

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, alongside the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have departed Nigeria for Switzerland to attend the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva putting a suspense on the minimum wage negotiations.

The conference which began on June 3, is scheduled to end on June 14.

Their absence has raised concerns that the ongoing minimum wage negotiations may be stalled, as the majority of labour leaders and representatives at the tripartite committee handling the negotiations are attending the conference.

However, NLC’s Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, has stated that the outcome of the meetings in Geneva will determine their next line of action.

Despite the temporary absence of labour leaders, negotiations are expected to continue, with some leaders participating virtually. The organs of the two labour centres are set to summon a meeting at the expiration of the one-week negotiation meeting on Wednesday to make decisions on the way forward.

Labour leaders have expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the minimum wage negotiations, describing the offer of N62,000 as “insulting” and “not decent.” They have vowed not to accept anything less than a wage that allows Nigerian workers to have a decent living.

The ILC brings together governments, employers, and workers’ organisations from 187 member states to address global labour challenges and set international labour standards. This year’s conference is particularly significant for Nigeria, as labour leaders are pushing for a new minimum wage and better working conditions.
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