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In a move that has sparked widespread debate, the Federal Government of Nigeria has proposed a new national minimum wage of N62,000.00, a figure that has been met with resistance from state governors and labour unions alike.

The proposal, which comes amid escalating costs of living and economic pressures, represents a significant increase from the previous minimum wage is far from the earlier speculated N105,000 offer from the central government.

However, it falls short of the N250,000.00 demanded by organized labor, which has been vocal in its call for a wage that reflects the economic realities faced by Nigerian workers.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, speaking on behalf of the governors, expressed concerns over the feasibility of implementing the proposed wage across all states.

He highlighted that 11 states are already struggling to meet the current wage bill and that the new proposal could plunge these states into deeper financial distress.

The Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage, which includes representatives from the government, organized labor, and the private sector, has yet to reach a consensus.

The committee’s deliberations have been marked by a series of negotiations, with the government initially offering N60,000.00 before increasing its offer to the current figure.

Labour unions, on the other hand, have shown a willingness to negotiate, reducing their initial demand from N494,000.00 to N250,000.00.

The President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo, has been firm on the need for a living wage that allows workers to meet their basic needs amidst the country’s inflationary pressures.

The new development has its roots in a directive from President Bola Tinubu, who tasked the Minister of Finance and coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, with formulating a new minimum wage that takes into account the cost implications for the nation’s economy.

As the debate rages on, the eyes of the nation are fixed on the outcome of this contentious issue. The proposed minimum wage is more than just a number; it is a reflection of the government’s commitment to the welfare of its workforce and the economic health of the nation.

The recommendation of the Tripartite Committee is expected to be forwarded to President Tinubu for further action. With the committee’s next meeting on the horizon, Nigerians await a resolution that balances the needs of the workers with the economic realities of the country.

For now, the proposed N62,000.00 minimum wage stands as a testament to the ongoing struggle for fair compensation in a challenging economic landscape.

The coming days will be crucial in determining the path forward for Nigeria’s labor force and the nation’s economy at large.

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