The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has made a series of demands, including the implementation of a new minimum wage of N200,000 per month and a reversion to the previous pump price of N185 per liter for petrol.
The TUC called for a conducive environment for negotiation and stated that the minimum wage should be increased by the end of June 2023, with consequential adjustments for the cost of living allowance.
In a statement issued by TUC President Festus Osifo and Secretary General Nuhu Toro, the following demands were highlighted:
- Maintenance of the previous pump price of petrol (N185 per liter) while discussions continue.
- Increase in the minimum wage from the current N30,000 to N200,000, with consequential adjustments on the cost of living allowance.
- Inclusion of a representative of state governors in the negotiation process, with a commitment from all governors to implement the new minimum wage.
- Tax holiday for employees earning less than N200,000 or $500 per month, whichever is higher.
- Introduction of a PMS allowance for those earning between N200,000 and N500,000 or $500 to $1,200 per month, whichever is higher.
- Maintenance of a stable exchange rate for retailing PMS, with a limit of two percent fluctuation for the next 10 years. If the fluctuation exceeds two percent, the minimum wage will automatically increase at the same rate.
- Establishment of an intervention fund, with the government contributing N10 per liter on all locally consumed PMS, to address national issues in education, health, and housing. A governance structure involving labor, civil society, and government will manage the implementation.
- Provision of mass transit vehicles by the federal government and the immediate setup of a subsidized transportation system by state governments.
- Review of the National Health Insurance Scheme to cover more Nigerians and ensure an adequate supply of drugs.
- Visitation to refineries undergoing rehabilitation to assess the progress and establish a timeline for completion.
- Immediate constitution of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) by the labor minister, allowing for discussions between government, labor, and employers on issues affecting workers.
- Provision of direct subsidies for food items, starting with the allocation of $800 million. Access to the National Housing Fund (NHF) for genuine workers, with a framework to be discussed and agreed upon.
- Deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) across the country as previously promised by the government, with the development of a framework and timeline.
- Reduction of the cost of governance by 15 percent in 2024 and 30 percent in 2025 through a joint framework between labor and government.
- Implementation of a comprehensive plan to maintain roads and expand the rail network nationwide, as well as the design of a social housing policy for workers through a rent-to-own system.
- Assessment of the state of electricity in the country and the formulation of an action plan with defined timelines for improvement.
The TUC’s demands encompass a range of issues, focusing on improving workers’ welfare, reducing the cost of living, and addressing infrastructure and social challenges in Nigeria
