In a bid to resolve the ongoing minimum wage dispute between the Federal Government and the organized Labour, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has proposed a new minimum wage of 90,000 naira.
Speaking during Tuesday’s Senate plenary, Kalu emphasized that the proposed amount, representing a 40% increase from the current 30,000 naira minimum wage, aligns with the purchasing power parity in the market.
The suggestion comes amid the suspension of the nationwide strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), which had been pressing for a higher minimum wage.
Kalu urged the Senate to mediate between the Federal Government and the Labour unions to reach an agreement on the proposed sum of 90,000 naira.
Senator Kalu warned of the potential dangers posed by the industrial action, including the complete shutdown of Nigeria’s power grid by the Labour unions, which he described as a “daring move” that could take up to four days to rectify.
He called for immediate resolution, noting the impact on the economy and the challenges the private sector might face in implementing the proposed wage.
Kalu stated, “60 thousand might sound very good let the entire Senate see how we can persuade both Labour and the Federal government to agree between N75, 000 to N90, 000 naira.
“If you go by 90,000 naira , it means in the last five years in which this law (30,000naira) was made , it means if you divide 200 percent of N90,000 by 5 it will give you 40 and the food inflation, the purchasing parity and other things you have in the market its also around 32 to 33% so Labour should be very happy with what We are doing.
“Let us send a Senate delegation to the Federal Government and the Labour Party with the proposal of 90,000 naira and all the parties should agree to that.
“Pulling down the National Grid Mr. President is not an easy job and it might take up to three to four days for it to come up , shutting down and starting a National grid is a problem.
“The Federal Government and the Labour should be cautioned to come to an agreement. Though it’s going to be difficult for the private sector to pay, they must manage,” he added.
Echoing in agreement, Senator Ali Ndume also suggested that the Senate collaborate with the executive branch to sponsor a bill ensuring that any agreed minimum wage would be implemented effectively.
The Senate Committee on Labour and Employment, chaired by Senator Diket Plang, was preparing to address the motion for calling off the strike when the news of its suspension was announced.
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