NLC excluded as FG to consider TUC’s demands on minimum wage and fuel price

Patrick OdeyJune 5, 2023

1 minute read

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has presented a list of demands to the Federal Government, which includes a review of the current minimum wage and a reversal of the fuel price hike.

The FG has said it will study the demands and consult with President Bola Tinubu, who announced the removal of fuel subsidy last week.

The meeting between the FG and the TUC took place at the State House, Abuja on Sunday evening. It was a continuation of the dialogue that started on Wednesday, when the FG explained the rationale behind the subsidy removal and offered some palliatives to the TUC.

However, the TUC rejected the palliatives and insisted that the FG should revert to the old fuel price of N194 per litre while negotiations continue. The TUC also said it would consult with its members and come up with its own demands.

On Sunday, the TUC presented its demands to the FG, which were mainly focused on the welfare of workers and how to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal. The topmost demand was a review of the minimum wage, which the TUC said was necessary to increase the purchasing power of workers.

The FG spokesperson, Dele Alake, said that the FG would look at the practicability and viability of the demands and report back to President Tinubu. He also said that Tinubu would likely set up a tripartite committee comprising of the FG, the states, the organised labour and the private sector to study the dynamics of a minimum wage increase.

Alake said that the FG and the TUC would reconvene on Tuesday to continue the discussion. He expressed optimism that a resolution would be reached soon.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which is also opposed to the subsidy removal, did not attend the meeting on Sunday. Alake said that efforts were being made to reach out to them and bring them on board.

The NLC has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike on Wednesday if its demands are not met. The NLC wants a return to status quo or a review of the minimum wage.