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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that it will mobilize workers to either stay at home with their families or offer free services rather than accept the paltry N48,000 new minimum wage being offered by the Federal Government. This threat comes after the NLC and the Trade Union Congress walked away from the negotiation table on Wednesday,

rejecting the government's offer as an "insult to the sensibilities of Nigerian workers."

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, the Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, disclosed that the labour union will not back down until an improved offer is made. He emphasized that the NLC finds it preposterous that the Federal Government and state governors, whose allocations have witnessed a massive boost, could be giving excuses not to pay a robust minimum wage.

Ndubuaku stated, "We have given the Federal Government an ultimatum. If the new minimum wage is not out by the end of this month, we will all go and sit at home. Instead of us taking N48,000 per month, we will tell workers to work for free for the government or turn to artisans' work. That is where we are now."

He further expressed his disappointment, saying, "I don't understand the thinking of the government. It looks to me like they do things without proper thought. Was the wage award supposed to be a palliative or what? We gave them the breakdown of what the minimum wage looks like. Even the National Bureau of Statistics has released a document that shows the average amount for foodstuffs is N900. This is even coming from a government agency. Does it mean this government is not in touch with its own agency before coming up with N48,000 as minimum wage? It is either they are living in denial or they just want to insult us."

The NLC is demanding a minimum wage of N615,000, which is significantly higher than the government's offer. Ndubuaku emphasized that the labour union is looking forward to a robust arrangement at the next negotiation meeting on Tuesday and expects the government to come up with a better offer. He also stressed that the government needs to provide a roadmap or package to match the hope of the people, including plans for food security, subsidy on transportation, and health insurance.

The dispute between the NLC and the Federal Government has been ongoing for several months, with the labour union insisting on a higher minimum wage to reflect the current economic realities in the country. The government, on the other hand, has cited constraints and limitations in its ability to meet the NLC's demands. The outcome of the next negotiation meeting on Tuesday will be crucial in determining the direction of the dispute and its potential impact on the nation's workforce.