Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has stated that governors in Nigeria can afford to pay the proposed N615,000 minimum wage if they prioritize their spending.
This statement comes amid ongoing negotiations between the federal and state governments and organized labor regarding the minimum wage issue.
According to Ajaero, the N615,000 proposal is the most realistic given the country's high inflation rate.
He emphasized that if inflation rates were brought down to single digits, even the current minimum wage of N30,000 would be considered a substantial amount.
When asked if states can afford the proposed N615,000 minimum wage, Ajaero argued that the issue is not about the states' ability to pay but rather their priorities.
He pointed out that some states with lower revenue have shown a willingness to pay the current minimum wage, indicating that the problem lies not in the quantum of money available to them but in how they choose to allocate it.
The NLC has threatened to embark on a strike if a new minimum wage is not announced before May 31, 2024.
This announcement comes as a response to the failure of some states to implement the N30,000 minimum wage set by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.
Ajaero's comments highlight the need for governors to reassess their spending priorities in order to meet the demands of their workforce.
The proposed increase in the minimum wage aims to address the rising cost of living in Nigeria, driven by factors such as inflation and the high cost of essential goods and services.
As negotiations continue, it remains to be seen whether the government and organized labor will reach an agreement that satisfies both parties and ensures a fair wage for workers across the country.
