The national minimum wage of N494,000 demanded by the Organised Labour will force many private companies to dismiss their workers if implemented, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said.
Akpabio stated this during an emergency meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Abuja on Sunday evening.
Akpabio, who was begging the NLC and the TUC not to go on the indefinite nationwide strike slated for Monday, said people must also be mindful of collateral damage when the new minimum wage being demanded is approved.
“I don’t want us to end up with a lot of serious issues of unemployment because as soon as we arrive at the minimum wage, we will expect the private sector to also adhere and then if they are unable to do so, the next thing will be detachment of workers,” Akpabio said.
He, however, said whatever agreement will be made between the government and the Labour leaders will be in the interest of Nigerians.
“This is a major step in the right direction. Like you said, all of us are workers, we also have workers in our home, and our children are also workers. Whatever agreement we have done will be mutually beneficial to all, the government and the workers,” Akpabio added during the meeting.
But, the Labour leaders said that their demands were in line with present economic realities in the country.
“The current living condition is unbearable for Nigerian workers,” TUC President, Festus Osifo, said.
“The situation of the country has been ‘tough’ since the beginning of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“Many Nigerians cannot afford public transportation and other basic necessities,” Osifo added.
For his part, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, also said that their demands were in the interest of Nigerian workers.
As at the time of this report around 8pm on Sunday night, no headway has been achieved yet.
Present at the meeting were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Finance, Dr Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Nkiruka Onyejiocha; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan.