Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has proposed a new minimum wage of N90,000 for Nigerian workers, aiming to resolve the ongoing dispute between the Federal government and Organized Labour.
During the Senate plenary on Tuesday, discussions focused on the nationwide strike organized by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC). The unions are advocating for a significant increase in the minimum wage, which currently stands at N30,000.
Senator Kalu, addressing his colleagues, emphasized the need for a substantial raise to meet the economic realities faced by Nigerian workers.
“Let the entire Senate see how we can persuade both the Labour and the Federal government to agree between N75,000 to N90,000 naira,” Kalu stated.
He further elaborated on the rationale behind his proposal, noting the economic shifts since the last minimum wage adjustment. “If you go by 90,000 naira, it means in the last five years in which this law (N30,000) was made, it means if you divide 200 percent of N90,000 by 5 it will give you 40 and the food inflation, the purchasing parity, and other things you have in the market, it’s also around 32 to 33%, so Labour should be very happy with what we are doing,” he explained.
Kalu’s proposal comes at a critical juncture, as the NLC and TUC continue their strike to demand better wages amidst rising inflation and economic hardship. The suggested N90,000 minimum wage aims to address the increasing cost of living and improve the purchasing power of Nigerian workers.
The Senate is expected to deliberate further on Kalu’s proposal, weighing its feasibility and potential impact on the economy. As the debate continues, the outcome will significantly affect the ongoing negotiations between the Federal government and Organized Labour.