Just In: “No Going Back on N615,000 Minimum Wage”, NLC President Joe Ajaero Declares

TheTalk.NG journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) insists the proposed N615,000 minimum wage is realistic, dismissing claims that some states cannot pay such an amount if approved.

The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, made this disclosure on Thursday, May 2, hwne he appeared as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Ajaero explained how the union arrived at the N615,000 minimum wage proposal which it submitted to the Tripartite Committee on minimum wage.

Recall that Tinubu’s recent reforms in Nigeria, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market, have pushed the cost of living to newer levels. Inflation figures hit 33.2 percent in March, further compounding a troubled economy.

Labour unions and the federal government have since been locked in negotiations over measures including a new minimum wage to cushion the impacts of the harsh economy.

But Ajaero’s led NLC is proposing a N615,000 monthly salary for workers, a jump from the current N30,000. Although many believe it is unrealistic, the labour union leader believes many states can pay it if they get their priorities right.

When asked if states can pay the current minimum wage can, Ajaero said:

“Well, I think we need to understand the issue of ability to pay and the issue of not getting the priority right now.

“Most of the states that have shown a willingness to pay are not among those that are getting the highest revenue. Even during the time of General Muhammadu Buhari, some states were declared as not having enough money to pay and he released funds for them to pay, those states still went ahead and refused to pay

“Now, it’s not a question of whether the quantum of money they have or not is what they decide to do with such money. If they get their priority right, then a lot can happen.”

Gov Otu announces N40,000 minimum wage for civil servants

In a related development, TheTalk.NG reported that Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River state has announced a new minimum wage of N40,000 for state workers.

Otu disclosed that the new wage implementation aligns with the realities of the time in the state rather than sentiments.

The governor, while participating in the Workers’ Day celebration at the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar, on Wednesday, May 1, revealed that under his administration, the payment of salaries, workers’ wages, and pension entitlements continues to be prioritized as a first-line charge.

Source: TheTalk.NG

Top Security Expert Reacts as IGP Differs With Tinubu on State Police

Nigerian-based security expert, Timothy Avele, has shared his thoughts on the debate over the establishment of state police Conversations around state police have been ongoing for some time, as an alternative to the federal police system Nigeria currently operates Avele, in an interview with TheTalk.NG, highlighted the things authorities need to do before launching state … Continue reading here ▶

BREAKING: Jubilation As FG Confirms Student Loan Application Portal Opens May 24

The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, on Thursday night announced that May 24, 2024, was the official date for “the opening of a portal for student loan applications,” a statement signed by the media lead of the Fund, Nasir Ayantogo said. Ayantogo, in a statement, said the opening of the application portal … Continue reading here ▶

Naira vs Dollar: Why Tinubu Should Sack Cardoso, Wale Edun

President Bola Tinubu has been urged to sack the minister of finance and CBN governor, Wale Edun and Yemi Cardoso, over failed economic policies PDP chieftain Rilwan Olanrewaju made the call in an exclusive interview with TheTalk.NG, noting that it was unnecessary to fight Binance and other cryptocurrency companies According to the PDP chieftain, the … Continue reading here ▶

Convicted Billionaire Kidnapper, Evans, Goes For Plea Bargain

Convicted billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, charged with murder, has opted for a plea bargain TheTalk.NG reports that the Lagos state lead counsel, Yusuf Sule, informed the court about the plea bargain option on Thursday, May 16, when the case was called for re-arraignment Evans and his co-defendant were to be re-arraigned … Continue reading here ▶

Tinubu’s Minister Under Fire As He Defends High Electricity Tariff: “He Doesn’t Know What Power Is”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s minister has come under heavy criticism as he challenges those complaining about the new electricity tariff Nigerians on the social media platform X lambast the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, describing him as the worst Nigeria ever had This banter came after Adelabu said those grumbling over the new tariff aren’t … Continue reading here ▶