The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s proposal for a new national minimum wage of N70,000. The decision was reached during an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Friday.

NLC President Joe Ajaero issued a communique explaining that the NEC meeting was convened following Thursday’s discussions with the federal government at the Presidential Villa. The communique noted that the NEC “unanimously commended and applauded” the leadership’s handling of the minimum wage negotiation.

The NLC accepted the President’s offer of N70,000 as the new national minimum wage, to be reviewed every three years. The communique emphasized the necessity for “full and strict compliance” once the National Minimum Wage 2024 becomes an Act.

While acknowledging that the decision was “challenging and far from our initial demand,” the NLC leadership highlighted that it was made to prevent further increases in petrol prices, which would exacerbate the hardships faced by Nigerians.

“NEC-in-session restates the commitment of the NLC to continue to stand resolutely in its mission to defend and advance the rights of Nigerian workers and the Nigerian people at all times. It calls on all Nigerians to unite in this cause and to hold our leaders accountable to the same standards of sacrifice and service,” the communique concluded.