Mixed Reactions have trailed the five days suspension of the strike action embarked by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) over the delayed approval of a new minimum wage by the Federal Government.
While some Imo workers see it as a step in the right direction as it will give the Federal government and the labour union enough time to deliberate and come out with a visible minimum wage salary that will help elevate povety and hungry in the land, others maintained that the protest should continue until the Tinubu’s led administration start making the well-being of Nigerians their topmost priority.
Recall that the strike, which commenced on Monday, was initiated to address the Federal Government’s failure to approve a new minimum wage by May 31, as well as its reluctance to reverse the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
Following a six-hour meeting in Abuja on Monday night, it was revealed that the Federal Government has committed to raising the proposed minimum wage of N60,000, expressing President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to this cause.
In an agreement reached during the meeting, it was stated that the President is committed to establishing a national minimum wage higher than N60,000, with the Tripartite Committee set to convene daily for the next week to finalize an agreeable figure. Additionally, the organized labour agreed to hold meetings of its organs to consider this new offer, with assurances that no worker would face victimization for participating in the industrial action.
The resolutions, signed by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, signify a step forward in addressing the concerns of workers across Nigeria. However, the mixed reactions among Imo workers reflect both hope for a better wage and lingering skepticism about the outcome of the negotiations.
Speaking on the guise of anonymity, an Imo worker disclosed that while the suspension of the strike provides a window for further discussions and potential resolution, the ultimate success of these negotiations remains uncertain.
Another staff of the state reiterated that the Labour union have waited for 6 solid months for the government to make favourable pronuncement that is suitable with the current inflation on food prices, fuel amongst others, while reiterated that the strike action should have continued inorder for the government to prioritize the welfare of it’s citizens.
Workers are cautiously optimistic, awaiting the outcome of the forthcoming meetings between the organized labour and the government. He added that the next five days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of minimum wage policies and the overall welfare of Nigerian workers.
