The Federal Government has announced its intention to carefully consider the list of demands presented by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which includes the issue of minimum wage.
Following a three-hour meeting between the Federal Government and the TUC, spokesperson Dele Alake informed State House correspondents that the government will examine the feasibility of the demands.
Alake stated that President Bola Tinubu will establish a tripartite committee comprising representatives from the states, organized labor, and the private sector. This committee will analyze the dynamics surrounding the adjustment of the minimum wage and work towards a mutually agreeable resolution.
He emphasized that there is no disagreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) regarding their call for a minimum wage review or a return to the previous status quo. The government representatives will confer with the President to finalize decisions on these demands.
Alake clarified that the absence of the NLC during the discussion does not indicate their exclusion. The government is actively seeking to engage with the NLC, and both parties have agreed to reconvene 24 hours prior to the scheduled NLC strike, which falls on Tuesday.
Festus Osifo, President of the TUC, expressed optimism as the Federal Government pledged to consider their demands, with the review of the current minimum wage being the primary focus.
The TUC has consistently maintained that, in the spirit of social dialogue, the Federal Government should revert fuel prices while discussions continue.
Meanwhile, the meeting between the Federal Government and the TUC regarding subsidy removal, initially scheduled for Sunday, was adjourned to Tuesday to allow both parties ample time to consider their respective demands.