Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, Idris addressed the threat of a strike by organized labour if their demands are not met. He highlighted that the Federal Government’s offer of a N60,000 minimum wage, which represents a 100% increase from the 2019 minimum wage, has been accepted by the organized private sector, a member of the tripartite negotiation committee.
“The Federal Government’s new minimum wage proposal amounts to a 100% increase from the 2019 minimum wage. Labour, however, is demanding N494,000, which represents a 1,547% increase,” Idris explained.
He emphasized that the N494,000 wage demand would result in a N9.5 trillion bill for the government. Idris underscored the importance of balancing fair remuneration for workers with the economic stability and welfare of the entire population.
“While the Federal Government desires adequate remuneration for Nigerian workers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not support actions that could lead to massive job losses, especially in the private sector, which may not be able to sustain the wage demanded by organized labour,” he stated.
Idris noted that, although labour is focused on the take-home pay of approximately 1.2 million workers, the government’s priority is the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians, guided by principles of affordability, sustainability, and the overall health of the nation’s economy.
He appealed to organized labour to return to the negotiating table and accept a reasonable and realistic wage for their members. Idris also reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, noting that the wage award of N35,000 for federal workers will continue until a new national minimum wage is established.
Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, issued this statement on June 1, 2024.
