Today, tensions across the nation have intensified as the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) begins a widespread strike due to unsuccessful negotiations with the federal government regarding the minimum wage.
Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, leading the labour representatives, expressed their discontent after discussions with President Bola Tinubu did not result in a definitive agreement on wage adjustments. Osifo stated that the meeting was initial and did not address specific financial figures, highlighting that significant issues such as economic difficulties and the devaluation of currency were brought up and are to be revisited in one week. Ajaero reiterated these points, pointing out the disparity between the labour’s demand of ₦250,000 and the government’s counteroffer of ₦62,000.
Minister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha described the talks as productive yet recognized that differences remain unresolved. This stalemate highlights the persistent challenges in reaching an agreement on key economic policies that impact Nigerian workers.