The Federal Government and state governments have demonstrated their willingness to engage. With channels of communication open, confrontation should not be the first option
By Moses Okorie
The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to pursue dialogue and constructive engagement with the Federal Government over the proposed review of the national minimum wage, saying negotiations have consistently produced better outcomes than confrontation.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and Secretary, Danjuma Sada, the Forum said the willingness demonstrated by both the Federal Government and state governments to improve workers’ welfare provides a strong basis for meaningful discussions on a new wage structure.
The TSF acknowledged that concerns raised by organised labour over the rising cost of living were legitimate and reflected the economic realities confronting many Nigerian workers. However, it maintained that governments at both the federal and state levels had continued to demonstrate commitment and political will to addressing workers’ welfare through consultation, consensus and sustained engagement.
The Forum recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved an increase in the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 following extensive negotiations involving organised labour, state governments and private sector employers.
According to the Forum, the agreement underscored the importance of dialogue in resolving labour issues and highlighted the fact that the national minimum wage is not merely a government salary policy but a national labour policy with implications for employers across the public and private sectors.
It noted that the private sector, being the country’s largest employer and a major driver of investment and job creation, remains a critical stakeholder in wage negotiations. Consequently, it said any review of the minimum wage must strike a balance between improving workers’ welfare and sustaining business growth, competitiveness and employment.
The TSF further stated that several state governments had gone beyond implementing the ₦70,000 minimum wage by approving higher salary structures and additional welfare packages. It added that the Federal Government and a number of states had also enhanced allowances, pensions and other benefits, demonstrating a collective commitment to improving the welfare of workers.
Beyond salary adjustments, the Forum said the government was pursuing broader economic measures aimed at improving the living standards of Nigerians. These, it said, include efforts to curb inflation, boost food production, improve transportation, expand access to consumer credit, provide tax relief for low-income earners, create employment opportunities and strengthen social protection programmes.
While reaffirming the constitutional right of organised labour to advocate for the interests of its members, the Forum insisted that dialogue founded on mutual respect and shared responsibility remained the most effective approach to achieving a fair, sustainable and economically viable wage structure.
“The Federal Government and state governments have demonstrated their willingness to engage. With channels of communication open, confrontation should not be the first option. Labour, government and employers have consistently achieved better outcomes through dialogue, and we are confident that the same approach will deliver further improvements in workers’ welfare while supporting economic growth and industrial harmony,” the statement said.
The Forum called on all stakeholders to approach the forthcoming wage negotiations in good faith, with a shared commitment to protecting workers’ welfare, promoting enterprise, preserving economic stability and creating more opportunities for decent and productive employment across the country.