The tripartite committee established by the Federal Government to review the minimum wage has urged labour unions to reassess their wage demands.

Speaking with NAN on Sunday, Bukar Aji, the committee’s chairman, asked labour to reconsider their position based on economic factors and the non-monetary incentives provided by the government.

Aji highlighted several incentives of the government, including the N35,000 wage award for all treasury-paid federal workers, N100 billion for gas-fuelled buses and gas kit conversions, a N125 billion conditional grant, financial inclusion for small and medium enterprises, and a N25,000 monthly stipend for 15 million households over three months.

He also listed the N185 billion in palliative loans to states to mitigate the effects of petrol subsidy removal, N200 billion to boost agricultural production, N75 billion to strengthen the manufacturing sector, and N1 trillion for student loans, among other interventions.

Aji called on the labour unions to consider accepting the N62,000 minimum wage offered by the federal government.

He said the committee is trying to avert a situation where the minimum wage would lead to further job losses, especially as many businesses are already struggling.

BACKGROUND

In January 2024, the federal government inaugurated a 37-member tripartite committee on the national minimum wage.

The committee was tasked with the responsibility of recommending a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

Over the past few months, the federal and state governments, organised labour and representatives of the private sector have been deliberating on a mutually acceptable sum.

However, the demand by organised labour is yet to be met.

On June 3, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) embarked on a nationwide strike to protest the federal government’s inability to meet their demand.

Twenty-four hours later, the labour unions “relaxed” the strike by one week.

Both unions had earlier proposed N615,500 and N494,000, respectively, as the new minimum wage, which the federal government said was unrealistic.

On June 7, the federal government increased its offer from N60,000 to N62,000, while the labour unions insisted on N250,000.

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday, joined Muslim faithful to observe Eid Kabir prayers at the Dodan Barracks in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The Eid-el-Kabir festival is celebrated by Muslims worldwide on the 10th day of the Hijri month of Dhual-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar.

Accompanied by top government functionaries, the President arrived at the Eid praying ground at 8:55 am on Sunday.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat; former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; businessman Aliko Dangote, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, and other dignitaries are also at the praying ground.

Earlier, the President enjoined Nigerians to reflect on the essence of the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, which bears strong meaning and significance for the nation.

He made the call in his message to the Muslim Ummah on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, an event that denotes sacrifice, faith, and obedience to the will of the Almighty.

“The President acknowledges the sacrifices that Nigerians have made in the past one year as his administration sets the nation on a firm pedestal of growth and development.

“President Tinubu affirms that the sacrifices and great expectations of citizens will not come to nought as already propitious outcomes are beginning to manifest with the economy strengthening and vibrancy returning to critical sectors,” a statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, read.

President Tinubu urged citizens to spare a prayer for the nation for continuous peace and stability while working according to purpose in promoting unity, peace, and progress.

“The President acknowledges the sacrifices that Nigerians have made in the past one year as his administration sets the nation on a firm pedestal of growth and development.

“President Tinubu affirms that the sacrifices and great expectations of citizens will not come to nought as already propitious outcomes are beginning to manifest with the economy strengthening and vibrancy returning to critical sectors.”

The President also reassured Nigerians that his administration is prioritizing their physical, social, and economic security and will not relent on this noble endeavour.

The 16th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, is currently holding Sallah durbar.

The Emir had earlier led Eid prayer and sermon at the Kofar Mata Jumu’at mosque.

The Eid prayer was observed at the Kofar Mata Jumu’at mosque due to heavy rain that flooded the premises of the Eid ground which could not be used.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other cabinet members observed prayer with the Emir.

The Army, Police, Civil defence and others provided security.

Emir Sanusi took the usual route back home and casually stopping along the way to receive greetings and homage from individuals and groups riding on a horse.

Recall that the Kano Police command had announced a ban on Sallah durbar after a joint security meeting in the State.

However, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, faulting how the police arrived at such without consulting him as the Chief Security Officer of the State.

Meanwhile, the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero observed his Eid prayer at the Nassarawa mini palace as earlier announced.

The embattled Emir had also announced the cancellation of durbar activities during the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.