The Federal Government has advised the organised labour to consider the cost implications of the N949, 000 minimum wage demand on sub-national governments and private sector employees, warning it may lead to job losses.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, at a press conference on Monday, restated that such a wage bill would cripple the Nigerian economy.
He reminded the organised labour that government has other responsibilities to meeting, adding that “We have a responsibility to strike a measured and realistic balance, in this effort to arrive at a new minimum wage for Nigerians.
“The minimum wage is not only for public sector workers. It will be binding on the private sector as well. This reality must be factored into the negotiations.”
The minister explained that the National Consumer Credit Scheme and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) are additional significant demonstrations of a determination to bring relief to the people of Nigeria.
“We want the labour unions to understand that the relief that Nigerians are expecting, and that they fully deserve, will not come only in the form of increased wages.
“It will also come as efforts to reduce the cost of living, and to ensure that more money stays in the pockets of Nigerians,” he stated.
Alhaji Idris assured that the Federal Government would continue to engage the organised labour and to make themselves available for negotiations on behalf of the Nigerian people
“Let me make it clear that we are not opponents on this negotiating table. We are united by the fact that we want the best for the Federal Republic of Nigeria and for all 200 million citizens of the country.
“As government, we are desirous of a peaceful outcome, and we will do everything to make this happen,” he added.