The Federal Government has denied reports claiming it has proposed N105,000 as the new national minimum wage. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, refuted the claim on his X account (formerly Twitter).
Onanuga stated, “The Honorable Minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Wale Edun, has not proposed N105,000 minimum wage. The contrary story being disseminated is false.”
This clarification comes in response to online reports suggesting that the Minister of Finance presented a proposal of N105,000 to President Bola Tinubu. These reports have stirred significant public interest and discussion.
The Tripartite Committee meeting on the new national minimum wage was delayed on Wednesday after the federal government failed to present a new figure to organized labour. The initial offer of N60,000 was rejected by labour representatives.
On Thursday, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Budget presented a figure to President Tinubu. This proposal is expected to be discussed at the Tripartite Committee meeting today, which includes representatives from the federal government, the organized private sector, and organized labour.
The meeting aims to reach an agreement on a new minimum wage that balances the interests of all parties involved. Organized labour groups, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), are key participants in these negotiations.
As discussions continue, the Federal Government’s denial highlights the ongoing challenges in reaching a consensus on the new minimum wage.
