Senator Orji Uzor Kalu proposes new minimum wage

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has proposed a new minimum wage of 90,000 naira to address the ongoing dispute between the Federal Government and organized labour regarding wage increases.

This proposal was made during Tuesday’s Senate plenary session, which centred on the nationwide strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).

The unions are demanding a significant increase from the current minimum wage of 30,000 naira. Senator Kalu suggested a compromise range of 75,000 to 90,000 naira, explaining, “Sixty thousand might sound very good.

Let the entire Senate see how we can persuade both labour and the Federal Government to agree on a figure between 75,000 to 90,000 naira.”

Kalu further explained that an increase to 90,000 naira reflects a 200 percent rise over the current minimum wage law enacted five years ago.

He argued that this increase aligns with food inflation and market purchasing parity, which is around 32 to 33 percent, making it a reasonable proposal for labour unions.

“Let us send a Senate delegation to the Federal Government and the labour unions with the proposal of 90,000 naira, and all parties should agree to it,” Kalu urged.

He also highlighted the challenges of shutting down the National Grid, noting it could take three to four days to restore.

Kalu emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement to avoid such disruptions, acknowledging the difficulties the private sector might face in paying the proposed wage but insisting they must manage.

The proposal aims to bring a swift resolution to the ongoing labour disputes and ensure stability in the nation’s economy.