Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has signaled the administration's readiness to reopen negotiations on the N70,000 national minimum wage. Speaking on Thursday, June 25, at an event organized by Working People United in Abuja, Gbajabiamila indicated that the current minimum wage, approved in 2024, no longer reflects Nigeria's economic realities.
N70,000 Wage No Longer Realistic
Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, stated that the N70,000 minimum wage, which was a milestone in 2024, must be honestly reassessed against today's realities. He emphasized that President Tinubu has consistently said that custodians of the nation's machinery deserve a fair and commensurate wage.
Government as Partner, Not Adversary
Gbajabiamila explained that when the time comes to review the national minimum wage, the Tinubu administration will approach the process not as an adversary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), but as a partner. He said, "Good governance is not a performance stage by government for the benefit of a passive audience, it's a partnership between those who govern and those who are governed. Nowhere is that partnership more vital than the relationship between government and the working people of Nigeria."
Background and Economic Context
The N70,000 minimum wage was approved by President Tinubu in 2024 amid significant economic challenges. Since then, inflation and rising living costs have eroded the purchasing power of workers. Gbajabiamila's remarks signal a potential shift in government policy, acknowledging that the current wage is insufficient. The NLC has been advocating for a higher minimum wage, and this statement may pave the way for renewed talks.
Gbajabiamila's comments were reported by Business Day and highlight the government's willingness to engage with labour unions. As Nigeria faces ongoing economic difficulties, the reopening of wage negotiations could have significant implications for workers and the broader economy.
