By Grace Chigbu 
The Organized Labour has affirmed its ultimatum for the Federal Government to finalize the new national minimum wage process by May 31. This decision was announced after a joint emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Tuesday in Abuja.
In a statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo, the Labour leaders emphasized the urgency of reaching a fair and equitable agreement. They noted that the NEC had carefully deliberated on the issue, considering the current realities affecting Nigerian workers and the general public.
The statement highlighted the need for an agreement that genuinely reflects the true value of Nigerian workers’ contributions to the nation’s development and addresses the survival crisis caused by government policies. The NEC reiterated its commitment to protecting workers’ interests and welfare in the negotiation process.
Furthermore, the organized labour instructed all state councils to issue a joint two-week ultimatum to state governments that have not fully implemented the N30,000 national minimum wage and its consequential adjustments. This move aims to prevent industrial action.
The Labour leaders also demanded an immediate reversal of the electricity tariff hike and the controversial categorization into bands, to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian workers and citizens. They set a May 31 deadline for the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the federal government to meet these demands.
The organized labour stressed that their demands are non-negotiable and called on the government to prioritize resolving these issues to maintain industrial peace. They urged all affiliate unions, workers, and Civil Society Organizations across Nigeria to remain united and steadfast during this critical period.
