Labor Tells FG That Proposed N200K Minimum Wage is Unfeasible; Calls For A Raise!

The Nigerian Labor Congress, through its National Vice President, Tommy Etim, has conveyed that the initially proposed N200,000 minimum wage to the Federal Government is no longer viable. The congress is now advocating for an increase. This statement comes in response to the inauguration of the Minimum Wage Committee by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday.

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday, Etim underscored that the congress would anchor its national minimum wage negotiation on the prevailing economic conditions, departing from its initial proposal.

He explained, "When we proposed the N200,000, the socio-economic challenges were not as severe as they are today. Additionally, considering the current exchange rate and the devaluation of the naira, N200,000 is no longer feasible."

In response to Punch's inquiry about a specific minimum figure the congress would present to the committee, Etim stated, "We won't specify a fixed amount, but certainly not N200,000. When we engage in discussions, we will determine the figure based on the prevailing socio-economic conditions. That's the foundation for our national minimum wage deliberations and negotiations."