Minimum Wage: ‘Whatever Was Said At That Meeting Was Not Conclusive, They Did Not Sign Any Document’ – Benson Ukpa

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) National Head of Information, Benson Ukpa, clarified that the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have not reached a conclusive agreement with the Federal Government on the proposed N70,000 minimum wage. He noted that during the recent meeting, no binding documents were signed. ..Read Full Article

Ukpa emphasized that the leaders of both organizations are committed to consulting their respective members before making any final decisions. He assured that these consultations are actively taking place and a significant meeting was scheduled for today. Following this meeting, a public statement would be issued to communicate the collective stance of the labour organizations.

In an interview with Arise TV, Ukpa expressed that the labour organizations did not compromise, stating they fought vigorously against dissenting governors, an unwilling Federal Government, and a reluctant organized private sector. He emphasized that labour stood alone against these formidable entities to reach this stage. He noted that, like litigations, negotiations must come to an end, and the alternative to labour being obstinate would be to give way.

Addressing the reported agreement on the N70,000 minimum wage, Ukpa stated that the NLC and TUC only agreed to consult their members. He reiterated that whatever was discussed at the meeting was not conclusive, and no documents were signed. He assured that the leaders would consult with their appropriate organs, and after the meeting today, a public statement would be issued.

During an interview on Arise Television, he remarked, “Labour did not sell out, we fought with everything in the bag. We did all we could and we fought against dissenting governors and fought against an unwilling Federal Government. Labour fought against a reluctant organized private sector. These are entities that you can’t easily contest with. Labour stood alone and fought these entities to get to this stage. And also take note that like ligations, there must be an end to negotiation. The alternative to Labour being obdurate would be that we have to give way.

Speaking on the reported agreement on the Minimum Wage of N70,000, he said, ”The NLC and TUC only said they were going to consult their people. Whatever was said at that meeting was not conclusive, they did not sign any document. The leaders said they will go and consult with their appropriate organs. And I can assure you that there will be a meeting today and at the end of the meeting, there will be a public statement