In a development poised to reshape the labor landscape, President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to unveil a revised minimum wage for Nigerian workers next week, barring any unforeseen alterations.
The revelation came from Comrade Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), during his discussion of the union’s recent meeting with the federal government regarding the removal of fuel subsidies.
Recalling the TUC’s issuance of a two-week ultimatum to the federal government to address their demands or risk nationwide industrial action, Osifo disclosed on Tuesday’s edition of ChannelsTV’s Politics Today that Minister of Labour Simon Lalong had apprised them of meetings held with President Tinubu and Finance Minister Wale Edun.
According to Osifo, Lalong conveyed that the wage matter had undergone a comprehensive review, and President Tinubu would address the nation on this matter in the imminent days.
“The Minister of Labour informed us that he had a productive session with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Finance Minister, where they thoroughly reviewed the wage award issue. However, the President advised them to refine the details before making an official announcement,” articulated the TUC President.
He continued, “The Minister stated that these issues would be meticulously streamlined, but due to the President’s ongoing travels, he requested an additional two weeks. We firmly responded that we could not grant an extension of two weeks. After further deliberations, he assured us that the President would make a comprehensive announcement next week.”
Osifo also highlighted the union’s involvement in discussions concerning the allocation of palliatives to states, emphasizing their commitment to overseeing the fair implementation of the scheme. He added that they were keen to examine the implementation template and had raised concerns about taxation and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) during their engagements with the federal government.
