Minimum wage: Workers resume tomorrow, as NLC suspends strike

By Ese Awhotu

The Nigerian Labour Congress has suspended its warning strike which commenced on September 26 over proposed new minimum wage.
The National President of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba, announced the suspension of the strike at a press conference yesterday in Abuja.
“The suspension takes effect from today Sunday,” he said.
The suspension means workers are expected to resume duties tomorrow Tuesday, as today Monday has been declared public holiday by the federal government to mark the October 1 Independence Day.
The workers are demanding a new minimum wage of about N50,000 instead of the current national minimum wage of N18,000.
Most state governors as well as proponents of true federalism have, however, argued that states should be allowed to set their own minimum wage, especially as many states are barely able to pay the current N18,000 current minimum wage.
On Wednesday, NLC president, Ayuba Wabba, said the union was open to dialogue on the strike.
“Our demand is that the tripartite negotiating council should be called back to conclude its assignment on minimum wage.” Mr. Wabba said.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, then assured the unions that the tripartite committee will reconvene to complete its negotiation.
“Before the meeting on October 4, all necessary demands by organized labour would have been factored in,” Mr. Ngige said.