Lagos Workers Demand ₦100,000 Wage, Emphasize Proper Consultation and Economic Realities

Comrade Funmi Sesi, chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Lagos State Council, called for thorough consultation and consideration of current economic conditions in any discussion of a new national minimum wage.

Sesi made the remarks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, responding to reports that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum had proposed a minimum wage of N100,000.

She stressed that wage setting must follow the established tripartite negotiation process involving labour, government and employers, and that governors cannot unilaterally determine the figure without worker input.

“It has to be a tripartite thing. This year we are due for renegotiation of the minimum wage. Why are they jumping the gun?” she asked.

The labour leader recalled that during the last wage negotiations, governors had argued that they could not pay more than N52,000, claiming that higher wages would affect developmental projects in their states. She said that the governors’ stance had influenced the final outcome, despite indications that the federal government was willing to approve a higher figure.

“Before proposing N100,000, let us ask the governors what they have been using the resources available to their states to do. Have they provided security for citizens? Are infrastructural facilities in place? Have they improved the welfare of the people in their states?” Sesi queried.

She noted that rising living costs, high fuel prices and inflation have significantly reduced workers’ purchasing power, making it necessary to evaluate economic indicators carefully before setting a new wage structure.

“We can no longer fill the tanks of our vehicles as before. People now prioritise movements because of the cost of fuel and other economic challenges. All these realities must be taken into consideration before deciding what should be the new minimum wage,” Sesi said.

She maintained that labour would not accept any attempt to impose a wage figure on workers without negotiation.

“You cannot sit somewhere and allocate money to workers as if you are giving them a gift. Workers’ representatives must be part of the discussion. Don’t shave our heads behind our backs. Let our voices count,” the labour leader said.

Sesi urged the NGF and other stakeholders to allow the forthcoming minimum wage review process to run its course through dialogue and consensus.

“We have to talk, discuss and agree collectively. We must use the prevailing economic indices to determine what the new minimum wage should be. Some states are already paying above N100,000. Instead of talking about lower figures, discussions should focus on improving workers’ welfare,” she added.

The NLC chairperson concluded that workers remain central to the nation’s economy and deserve a wage structure that reflects current economic realities and guarantees a decent standard of living. (NAN)

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