Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to present a detailed cost analysis for the proposed new minimum wage within two days. This directive was announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a briefing with State House Correspondents following a meeting between the president and the negotiation team at Aso Rock on Tuesday.
Idris emphasized the urgency and collaborative effort required, stating, “All parties to the negotiation of the new minimum wage would work together with the organised labour to present a new minimum wage for Nigerians in one week.”
He further elaborated on the president’s directive, noting that Tinubu had instructed all representatives involved in the negotiations—including those from the federal government, organised private sectors, and sub-national entities—to cooperate and ensure that the new wage award is both affordable and sustainable.
“All of us will work together assiduously within the next one week to ensure that we have a new wage for Nigeria that is acceptable, sustainable, and realistic,” Idris said.
This directive follows the recent nationwide strike led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which highlighted the urgent need for a revised minimum wage to address the economic challenges faced by Nigerian workers.
The president’s marching orders reflect a commitment to swiftly address the wage issues and ensure that the new minimum wage meets the needs of Nigerian workers while being financially viable for the government and private sectors. The outcome of these discussions is eagerly anticipated by workers and employers alike, as it will set the tone for labor relations and economic stability in the country.
