Tinubu’s Govt Warns of Mass Sacking Amid New Minimum Wage Tussle

Mohammed Idris, the minister of information and national orientation, has said the federal government is committed to a wage system that will not lead to mass retrenchment of workers in Nigeria.

Speaking at the opening of the 2024 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday, June 12, Idris stressed the imperative of a realistic wage system that safeguards against mass retrenchment while addressing workers’ needs.

Idris noted that a minimum wage that is not sustainable will affect the government’s workforce.

“As I have repeatedly said, the federal government is not opposed to the increase of wages for Nigerian workers but we keep on advocating for a realistic and sustainable wage system for the workers – a wage system that will not undermine the economy, lead to mass retrenchment of workers and jeopardise the welfare of about 200 million Nigerians.”

News Direct reports that although the tripartite committee on the new national minimum wage submitted its report to the federal government on Monday, June 10, the figures agreed upon by organised labour and the Bola Tinubu government have yet to converge.

During the last meeting held by the committee on Friday, June 7, in Abuja, labour reduced its demand to N250,000 from N494,000, while the federal government increased its offer from N60,000 to N62,000. The proposed minimum wage may have to wait until July 2 because the national assembly is currently on holiday.