NLC Begins Negotiations For Workers’ Salary Increase

 By Abdullahi Tukur

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has reaffirmed his commitment to improving workers' welfare, declaring that his administration will implement any new national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.

The governor made the pledge while speaking at the Rights of Workers Summit held in Birnin Kebbi, where he noted that Kebbi was the first state in Nigeria to implement a ₦75,000 minimum wage following the expiration of the previous ₦70,000 national minimum wage in July.

Governor Idris Pledges Support for New Minimum Wage

Governor Idris said he would champion the cause of workers at the Nigeria Governors'  Forum whenever discussions on a new minimum wage commence, stressing that civil servants remain critical to national development and deserve adequate compensation.

He described workers as the engine room of government and assured them that his administration would continue to prioritize policies aimed at improving their welfare and living conditions.

The governor also disclosed that his administration has spent more than ₦16 billion on retirement and death benefits since assuming office in May 2023, describing the payment of workers' entitlements as a moral obligation.

NLC Opens Negotiations for Salary Increase

Earlier, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, announced that the labour union had commenced preparations to begin negotiations with the Federal Government and state governments for an upward review of workers' salaries nationwide.

Ajaero, who was represented by the NLC Deputy President, Audu Titus Amba, said the union believes that any new minimum wage below ₦500,000 would be insufficient to address the prevailing economic realities confronting Nigerian workers.

He attributed the demand to the rising cost of living and worsening socio-economic challenges affecting civil servants across the country.

NLC Seeks Dialogue, Not Confrontation

The labour leader stressed that the Nigeria Labour Congress was not seeking confrontation with governments but was merely presenting the concerns and welfare needs of Nigerian workers.

He expressed optimism that both the Federal Government and state governments would give favourable consideration to the union's proposals during the forthcoming negotiations.

The Rights of Workers Summit brought together labour leaders, government officials and stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving workers' welfare and strengthening industrial relations across Nigeria.