Negotiations Adjourned for Template Submission
On Wednesday, the Federal Government and Organised Labour adjourned the talk on minimum wage . They will resume the talks today, awaiting the Finance Minister’s submission of the salary template to President Bola Tinubu. This development followed Tinubu’s directive to the Finance Minister, Wale Edun, to present the cost implications for a new minimum wage within 48 hours. They postponed the meeting, initially scheduled for Wednesday, to accommodate this submission.
President’s Directive to the Finance Minister
President Tinubu, during a meeting with the government’s negotiation team led by George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, emphasised the importance of a timely submission. He stressed the need for a prompt presentation of the financial implications, setting a clear 48-hour deadline. Sources from the labour unions indicated that the parties involved in the negotiations agreed to wait for the presidential template before proceeding further.
Labour’s Patience and Confidence in the Process
A representative from the labour union who attended the meeting shared that the adjournment was a mutual decision. “The meeting will resume on Thursday,” he stated. Furthermore, he explained, “We understand the President gave the Finance Minister 48 hours to come up with a minimum wage. Therefore, we decided to give them the time to meet at 2 p.m.” Additionally, a top labour official echoed this sentiment, noting that the template was vital for the ongoing negotiation process.
Government’s Commitment to a Realistic Wage
Information Minister Mohammed Idris highlighted the President’s commitment to understanding the financial implications within the given timeframe. He assured the public of the government’s dedication to achieving a balanced and realistic wage increase. Idris stated that the president is determined to follow the committee’s recommendations and is also considering the welfare of Nigerians. The minister emphasised the collaborative effort between the Federal Government, organised private sector, and sub-nationals in reaching an affordable wage agreement.
Industrial Action and Economic Impact
Despite intervention efforts, labour unions commenced a nationwide strike on Monday and Tuesday, significantly disrupting economic activities. The strike led to the shutdown of banks, airports, public schools, and courts. Following emergency meetings with key government officials, the unions agreed to suspend the strike temporarily. President Tinubu’s assurance to consider a new minimum wage higher than N60,000 played a pivotal role in this decision. The tripartite committee will hold daily meetings until they finalise a new minimum wage.
Aviation Sector Hit Hard by Strike
The two-day strike had a profound impact on the aviation sector. Airlines reported substantial revenue losses due to cancelled flights. United Nigeria Airlines’ Chief Operating Officer, Osita Okonkwo, reported heavy disruptions to their operations, leading to millions in lost revenue. Similarly, Ibom Air’s George Uriesi detailed the financial challenges faced by local airlines. The broader aviation industry, including airport terminals and concessionaires, also experienced significant financial setbacks.
Swift Resolution Needed
As the Federal Government and labour unions prepare to reconvene today, the urgency for a swift resolution is paramount. Consequently, Debo Adeniran, Executive Director of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, urged both parties to finalise their negotiations promptly. He stressed, “The FG and the labour unions should not waste any more time beyond the 48 hours given to the Finance Minister. They need to harmonise their positions based on their capacities to raise resources.” Therefore, this call for a quick and realistic conclusion reflects the broader sentiment among stakeholders involved in the minimum wage talks.
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