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By Chukwuma Umeorah
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has accused Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, of attempting to disrupt the ongoing minimum wage negotiations.
Onanuga on Monday claimed that it would be difficult for Tinubu’s government to pay N100,000 minimum wage if approved because 26 state governors cannot pay the current N30,000.
The TUC in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Nuhu Toro on Thursday, described Onanuga’s remarks as “speculative and uninformed,” and aimed at scuttling the process.
According to the statement, “The Federal and State Governments, employers and Labour, are in the preliminary stages of negotiations for the New National Minimum Wage in the country in accordance with the constitution.
“No proposals have been made by any of the negotiating partners including the Presidency; no offer has been made, and none has been negotiated. So, the President’s Spokesman in bandying around figures, is merely being mischievous. This may well be a strategy to throw spanner in the works of the negotiating body.”
The Congress added that the remarks made by the aide are not only insensitive but also indicative of a disconnect from the realities faced by millions of hardworking individuals striving to make ends meet.
“Such speculative statements undermine the fundamental principles of fair compensation and perpetuate the cycle of economic inequality,” stressing that Tinubu’s government owe workers a duty to advocate for policies that promote decent wages and ensure reasonable standard of living for all citizens, in line with global best practices.”
The TUC urged the Presidency to submit any proposed figures through the Minimum Wage Negotiating Committee via social dialogue, rather than engaging in speculative statements that could sow discord and undermine trust in the government. This is even as they emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and respect for the dignity of all workers in the negotiation process.
Stressing its commitment to achieving a sustainable living wage for all workers, the Congress called on all Nigerians to support the democratic process of arriving at a fair minimum wage.
