The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is standing firm on its proposed minimum wage of N615,000, dismissing concerns that some states cannot pay such an amount if approved.
According to NLC President Joe Ajaero, who appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, the proposed wage is realistic and achievable.
Recent reforms in Nigeria, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market, have significantly increased the cost of living, with inflation reaching 33.2 per cent in March.
As a result, labour unions and the Federal Government are negotiating measures to mitigate the harsh economic impacts, including a new minimum wage.
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While some consider the N615,000 monthly salary proposal unrealistic, the NLC believes many states can afford it if they prioritize their spending correctly.
He said:
“Well, I think we need to understand the issue of ability to pay and the issue of not getting the priority right now.
“Most of the states that have shown a willingness to pay are not among those that are getting the highest revenue. Even during the time of General Muhammadu Buhari, some states were declared as not having enough money to pay and he released funds for them to pay, those states still went ahead and refused to pay.
“Now, it’s not a question of whether the quantum of money they have or not is what they decide to do with such money. If they get their priority right, then a lot can happen.”
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