NEWS
Private Sector Agrees To FG Minimum Wage Proposal, Urges NLC To Reconsider
Ajayi Kadri, the Director-General of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, has confirmed that the organised private sector has agreed to the Federal Government’s proposal for a new minimum wage of N60,000.
He revealed this information during an interview with Channels TV in Abuja on Saturday.
Kadri emphasized that the ongoing negotiations between the government, private sector, and labour are focused on establishing a minimum wage, rather than a living wage, which represents the lowest amount payable to any worker in the country.
Additionally, he highlighted the significant economic challenges faced by both labour and private businesses, making it difficult for them to meet the wage demands put forward by labour unions.
He stated, “To start with, this is a very difficult time for anyone to negotiate minimum wage. From the perspective of government, labour and organized private sector, we operate in an environment where there is general acceptance of the fact that the macroeconomics are not right, even the global economy is experiencing a lot of shakeups and the aftermath of government necessary reforms.
“From the beginning of the negotiations of the minimum wage, it’s evident to the tripartite— that is the government, labour, and organized private sector— that we are going to operate in a difficult terrain.
“Incidentally, the organized private sector and government have offered N60,000 as the minimum wage and I think it is very important for us to understand that what we are talking about is the minimum wage.
“That is what some people have called the walk-in wage. That is the amount we will pay the least workers in the country. It is the minimum wage we are negotiating, not a living wage,”
Ajayi elaborated that both the government and private sector are significantly constrained in meeting the proposed N419,000 living wage demand.
He noted economic challenges and inflation as primary hurdles for the private sector, making it impractical to fulfill such a requirement.
Ajayi also suggested that the present time might not be opportune for organized labor to pursue a new minimum wage negotiation. Instead, he advocated for collaborative efforts with other stakeholders to enhance the economy.
“All of us in the tripartite— the government, the labour, and the private sector — we all knew that we were operating in a very difficult environment.
“The government itself realized that it had limited capacity to pay. The private sector is constrained by microeconomic, infrastructure and security challenges. So, we are also constrained to pay.
“Labour on its part, is under intense pressure from its constituencies to ask for a higher wage because inflation has hit the roof and the operating environment is tough.
“Throughout the negotiation process, we made it known that this is not the best time to negotiate minimum wage. This is the time for us to agree, the crew behind the government, and grow the economy in such that we will bake a bigger cake and then we’ll be able to share,” he added
He, however, made an appeal to the organized labor to reconsider its decision to initiate a nationwide strike.
He emphasized that labor walking out of discussions and declaring a strike would not be beneficial.
Additionally, he expressed regret that labor rejected the N60,000 offer from both the government and the organized private sector, opting instead to declare a nationwide strike.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has accused suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of distorting facts and misrepresenting the Nigerian Senate at an international forum.
Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, was suspended for six months over alleged violations of Senate rules.
However, she took her grievances to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York, where she accused Akpabio of victimization, sexual harassment, and abuse of office.
READ ALSO: Natasha’s Suspension Not Linked To Harassment Claims – Senate
During Thursday’s plenary session, Akpabio condemned her actions, stating that she had embarrassed the Senate by presenting a misleading narrative to the global audience.
“I am aware that she distorted the facts and globalized the matter, embarrassing the Senate by giving a different narrative,” Akpabio said.
He commended federal lawmaker Kafilat Ogbara for intervening and clarifying to international media that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s account did not reflect the true events in the Senate.
The Senate President further criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan for bypassing internal legislative procedures, saying she initially filed a petition in the Senate but later took the matter to court and the international community.
“She brought the matter before the Senate through a petition but did not allow us to examine it. Instead, she took it to court and later to the international community. Actions like these could discourage politicians from appointing women into key positions,” Akpabio said.
His remarks came after he received a vote of confidence from his colleagues, reaffirming his leadership in the upper chamber.
He urged senators to remain focused on legislative responsibilities and not be distracted by controversies.
“I thank you for this vote of confidence. Let us stay focused and avoid unnecessary distractions,” he added.
The Nigerian Senate, on Thursday, passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, reaffirming its support despite the controversy surrounding the upper legislative chamber.
The decision followed a motion moved by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, under Orders 40 and 51, emphasizing the need for clarity, adherence to legislative procedures, and a renewed focus on governance.
The controversy stems from the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) after she accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment.
READ ALSO: Natasha’s Suspension Not Linked To Harassment Claims – Senate
In response, she petitioned the United Nations’ Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), decrying her suspension as unjust.
However, the Senate, in a statement to the IPU on Wednesday, refuted claims that her suspension was linked to her allegations, maintaining that she was disciplined for “gross misconduct and disobedience to Senate rules.”
During plenary, Senator Bamidele dismissed suggestions that the Senate was informed of any sexual harassment claims against Akpabio between August 2023 and the present.
He insisted that the matter at hand strictly concerned disciplinary measures.
“I want to make it clear that the matter referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges had nothing to do with sexual harassment,” he stated.
“The Senate President did not preside over any case related to such allegations. What was addressed was a flagrant disregard for Senate rules, and we followed due process as guided by the Constitution.”
Bamidele further defended the Senate’s authority to regulate its proceedings, asserting that disciplinary actions, including suspension, were necessary to maintain order and legislative integrity.
“It was never an issue before us that any senator was sexually harassed. We need to move past the events of the last two weeks and focus on our legislative responsibilities. There is critical work before us, including electoral reforms, economic recovery, and tax reform bills,” he said.
Addressing concerns over international reactions, Bamidele clarified that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements at the IPU meeting were made in a personal capacity and not as a representative of Nigeria.
“The IPU acted within its own rules, and whatever was said by the senator in question was not as a designated delegate from Nigeria,” he added.
He also called on Civil Society Organizations to remain objective, urging them to focus on genuine cases of sexual harassment rather than politicizing legislative disciplinary actions.
“We have heard you, but we need to concentrate on our work. If we choose to be silent on this matter going forward, know that it is intentional on our part,” Bamidele stated.
Following deliberations, the Senate overwhelmingly passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio’s leadership, commending his handling of the situation.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary session, emphasized that with the 2024 budget now passed, lawmakers must shift their focus to their oversight functions.
He further stated that the matter is now before the courts and urged the Senate to allow the judiciary to take its course.
Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is currently in a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
The meeting, which is taking place at the Ramat House in Bauchi, remains undisclosed to the public, as no official reason has been given for the high-profile discussion.
READ MORE: El-Rufai’s Son Makes U-Turn On Peter Obi, Blames APC For ‘Poisoning’ His Mind
However, details are expected to emerge once Obi and Mohammed address journalists after the meeting.
More to follow…………
Couple Impersonates Katsina First Lady, Defrauds Victims Of N197m
Natasha Distorted Facts, Embarrassed The Senate – Akpabio
JUST IN: VDM In Trouble As Court Issues Arrest Warrant
Senate Passes Vote of Confidence In Akpabio Amid Controversy
Peter Obi In High-Level Meeting With Gov Bala Mohammed
