NLC Urges Tinubu to Accept Labor’s Demand on Minimum Wage The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, to accept the demand of organized labor for an upward review of the national minimum wage. In a statement issued on Friday, NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, said the current minimum wage of N30,000 is no longer sustainable given the rising cost of living in the country. He urged Tinubu to make a commitment to increase the minimum wage to a level that would enable workers to meet their basic needs. Wabba stated that “the issue of minimum wage is a fundamental issue that affects the welfare of the Nigerian people. We cannot afford to have a situation where workers are paid starvation wages while the cost of living continues to rise astronomically.” The NLC leader further argued that an increase in the minimum wage would not only benefit workers but also stimulate economic growth. He explained that when workers have more money in their pockets, they can spend more on goods and services, which in turn creates jobs and boosts the economy. “We believe that the APC and its presidential candidate have a responsibility to address the issue of minimum wage. We urge them to listen to the voice of the people and make a commitment to increase the minimum wage to a living wage,” Wabba said. The NLC’s demand for an upward review of the national minimum wage is in line with the position of other labor organizations in the country. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) have also called on Tinubu to commit to increasing the minimum wage. Whether Tinubu will accept the demand of organized labor remains to be seen. However, the NLC’s call has put the issue of minimum wage on the political agenda and is likely to be a major issue in the upcoming presidential election.Nigerian Labor Congress Demands Government Adherence to Minimum Wage RequestNigerian Labor Congress Demands Government Adherence to Minimum Wage Request The Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) has reiterated its demand that the government accede to its request for a minimum wage based on the country’s economic realities. The NLC also criticized a statement by President Bola Tinubu regarding the matter. President Tinubu had previously stated that the government could only pay workers what the country could afford. However, the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, dismissed this statement as a contradiction of the government’s promise to pay a living wage. Upah emphasized that there was a consensus to grant the Labor Party’s demand for a wage increase based on practical considerations. Disagreements over the new minimum wage have persisted among the government, the Labor Party, and the organized private sector. In a national broadcast, President Tinubu announced that an agreement on the minimum wage had been reached between the Federal Government and the Organized Labor Party, and that an executive bill would be sent to the National Assembly to formalize it. However, the Organized Union denied reaching any agreement with the Tripartite Committee of the Federal Government on the minimum wage. NLC Acting President Adewale Adeyanju stated that the union’s demand remained N250,000 and that no compelling reason had been provided to accept anything less. State governors have also voiced their opposition to the wage proposals, arguing that it would hinder their ability to deliver critical infrastructure projects for their states.The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, to accept the demand of workers for a new minimum wage. The Congress, in a statement signed by its President, Ayuba Wabba, said that the demand for a new minimum wage is a legitimate right of workers. Wabba said that the current minimum wage of N30,000 is no longer realistic, given the current economic realities in the country. He said that the NLC has been engaging with the government on the issue of a new minimum wage and that the Congress is ready to negotiate on the issue. “We urge Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to accept the legitimate demand of workers for a new minimum wage. The current minimum wage of N30,000 is no longer realistic and needs to be reviewed,” Wabba said. He said that the NLC is confident that Tinubu, if elected, will work with the Congress to ensure that workers get a fair deal. “We believe that Tinubu is a leader who understands the plight of workers and will do everything within his power to improve their welfare,” Wabba said.