The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has advised Organised Labour to prioritize job security in the ongoing negotiation for a new national minimum wage. Speaking at a forum with Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN), NECA’s Director-General, Mr Adewale Smart Oyerinde, emphasized the need for a realistic and sustainable figure that considers the current economic situation.
Oyerinde noted that hundreds of companies have exited the country or shut down in the last three years, and urged Labour to refocus its efforts on protecting jobs, boosting private sector capacity, and ensuring sustainability. He also highlighted the importance of considering Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which are the highest job providers.
Organised Labour is demanding a national minimum wage of N250,000, while the Federal Government has offered N62,000. NECA stressed the need for productivity discussions if the proposed wage is to be implemented. The association emphasized the importance of allowing the rule of law to prevail, as stipulated in the ILO Convention 131.
The matter is currently awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s decision. NECA warned that the demand by organised labour at this period has the potential to cripple SMEs and push many businesses into comatose. The association urged the government to fast-track its interventions to make life more bearable for workers, businesses, and Nigerians.
