The Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria has urged workers’ unions to re-negotiate with the government on a new minimum wage rather than embarking on industrial action.
Mr. Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, emphasized this plea during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
In response to the nationwide strike declared by organized labor demanding a new minimum wage, Ifoh stressed that striking would only exacerbate existing hardships and suffering.
“Our immediate reaction is that the organized labor should not subject Nigerians to further hardship,” Ifoh stated. “Nigerians are already grappling with numerous challenges, and we do not need to worsen the situation.”
Ifoh expressed skepticism towards the demand for a N494,000 minimum wage, deeming it unrealistic and unsustainable for Nigeria’s economy. “It is a figure that cannot be sustained because it will imply that Nigeria will exhaust all its resources to pay civil servants,” he elaborated.
Instead, Ifoh urged continued engagement between the labor union and the federal government to reach a mutually acceptable figure. “Negotiation should persist until a more viable solution is reached,” he emphasized.
Highlighting the adverse effects of a nationwide strike, Ifoh warned of its impact on the cost of living and emphasized the necessity of finding a balance between workers’ demands and economic feasibility.
“If the federal government is reluctant to exceed a N60,000 minimum wage, organized labor should consider working within the available framework while continuing negotiations,” Ifoh suggested. “We recognize the government’s shortcomings and acknowledge its ongoing learning curve.”
Ifoh reiterated the LP’s stance against actions that could further burden Nigerians. “We stand against any measures that would exacerbate hardship,” he affirmed.