Minimum Wage: Labour reaches consensus, suspends nationwide strike

Organised Labour has shelved its planned nationwide strike after reaching a consensus over a new minimum wage. The strike was scheduled to start on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Labour leaders, government representatives and organised private sector spent many hours on Monday to reach a consensus on a minimum wage.

The agreed figure will be kept under wraps until 4.15 pm on Tuesday, when it will be revealed in a report to be presented to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr Ayuba Wabba, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, spoke to newsmen at the end of the Tripartite Committee meeting on the new National Minimum wage meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the National Minimum Wage Negotiating committee has concluded its assignment and agreement has been reached and also documents have been signed.

“The report will be submitted to Mr President by today and therefore, having reached this position, the Organised Labour also decided that the proposed strike is hereby suspended.

”Therefore, we thought this should be communicated appropriately without also divulging this information as mutual agreement has been reached,” he said.

Ms Amma People, Chairman of the Tripartite Committee also noted that the assignment of the committee has been concluded.

“We are going to present our report to Mr President today at 4:15, pm and he will reveal the figure that we have recommended,” she said.