The zonal public hearings on the proposed new wage structure have commenced.
With the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the forefront, there’s a strong indication that organized labor will push for a minimum wage of N500,000.
While initial suggestions hinted at a demand as high as N1 million, recent reports indicate a potential scaling down of the proposal following submissions from state chapters.
The aim of these hearings is to gather feedback from various stakeholders, including state governors, ministers, civil society groups, and the private sector, to devise a minimum wage that mirrors present economic realities.
Conducted concurrently across multiple zones, including Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, and Abuja, these hearings seek to address the pressing economic challenges faced by workers.
The current minimum wage of N30,000, set to expire on April 1, underscores the urgency of reaching a consensus before the deadline.
Crucially, the demands put forth by organized labor will hinge on factors like inflation, currency depreciation, and the removal of fuel subsidies, all of which have significantly impacted the cost of living.
According to reports, the NLC’s cost-of-living analysis recommends a figure slightly above N500,000 to sustain a family of six.