Labour leaders have once again rejected the federal government’s proposed new minimum wage of N54,000 for workers.

This decision came after a meeting with federal government officials in Abuja yesterday.

Initially, the federal government had proposed a minimum wage of N48,000, which was later increased to N54,000 during the latest meeting. Despite this increase, the organised labour representatives stood firm on their demand for a N615,000 living wage.

Yesterday’s meeting was a follow-up to the previous week’s discussions, during which organised labour representatives walked out in protest of the N48,000 proposal.

At that earlier meeting, the Organised Private Sector (OPS) had suggested a N54,000 minimum wage, which labour rejected in favor of their higher demand.

“During the meeting, the government raised its offer from N48,000 to N54,000. However, labour rejected the offer, and the meeting has been adjourned till today,” said a source who attended the meeting and requested anonymity.

A labour leader expressed frustration over the government’s commitment, stating, “There is no sign of seriousness at all. Even state governors did not attend. Those who did represent them, like officials from Bauchi and Niger states, did not have the authority to negotiate on their behalf.”

Regarding the private sector’s stance, the labour leader added, “We did not reach them before the meeting was adjourned, but we hope they will also increase their initial offer.”

Organised labour has reiterated its deadline of May 31, 2024, for the implementation of the N615,000 new minimum wage.

The labour leaders are also planning a major protest if the federal government fails to implement the new minimum wage structure by this date.