The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has formally rejected the Federal Government's proposed monthly wage award of N70,000 for federal employees. The leadership argues that the government has the financial capacity to raise the minimum salary for the lowest-paid workers to N300,000, emphasizing that workers require a substantial, permanent salary increase rather than temporary financial relief.
Following discussions between government officials and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), TUC President-General Festus Osifo and Secretary Nuhu Toro issued a joint statement stressing that the demand is rooted in social and economic justice to safeguard workers' dignity and basic livelihoods, rather than requests for special favors.
Key Concerns Raised by the Union
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Failure of Past Commitments: The TUC highlighted that the previous wage award introduced in October 2023 was poorly managed, with many workers receiving payments for only a couple of months or nothing at all.
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Irregular Payments: The union pointed out that even when the earlier N40,000 wage award was disbursed, payments were inconsistent and failed to provide reliable support.
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Lack of Compliance Nationwide: Over 80 percent of state governments and the informal sector reportedly failed to implement the previous wage awards, leading the union to question the credibility of new temporary proposals.
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Broad Economic Impact: The TUC emphasized that severe economic hardships affect not only federal staff but also state and local government workers, pensioners, private-sector employees, and those in the informal economy who struggle daily with surging costs for food, transport, and healthcare.
Recommendations and Demands
To alleviate the current economic pressures, the union urged governments at all levels to take immediate and practical actions, which include:
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Implementing reliable salary structures instead of short-term financial aid.
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Fulfilling existing agreements with bodies such as the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
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Ensuring timely payment of all salaries and pensions.
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Lowering the cost of essential goods and services while protecting current jobs.
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Strengthening the productive sector to generate sustainable employment opportunities and curb exploitative labor practices.