When you hear that is Nigeria in the middle of a discussion, there is a reason that resonates with everyone.
Nigerians are gradually forgetting about the demand for a new minimum wage.
As usual, talks of the negotiations have started to fade away.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), had flashed hope to Nigerians, however, they were unable to sustain the momentum.
In a tricking, yet strategic manner, the President Bola Tinubu-led government brought the Organised Labour on its knees.
Now, they are left with not much of a choice, they can either accept the government’s offer, or continue dragging.
Minimum Wage Saga
The minimum wage saga which is yet to be resolved, like many Nollywood classics features a wide range of suspense, intrigue, action, and lots more.
The Organised Labour started this demand on what many described as a ‘good start’, but sadly, along the line, just when Nigerians began to see the light at the end of the tunnel, their hopes were shattered.
That was how the NLC lost the support of the millions of Nigerians who were willing to bear any consequences to bring their demands to reality, especially as it favoured Nigerians greatly.
Weeks ago, we mean, June 3, 2024, precisely, the Organised Labour after numerous failed talks, declared a full scale war against the government.
A nationwide strike, one that left the country’s economy on its knees.
The Protest
That day, Nigerians endured the darkness that accompanied the electricity outage and were willing to endure even more.
But the government in its wisdom called the unions for a meeting.
Just as the 2023 elections, Nigerians had given their predictions.
They warned the union not to indulge the government.
Many advised that the strike should last for days, that way, the government will understand that they are serious.
But guess what.
The unions turned up for that meeting.
To the greatest surprise of Nigerians, reports of an agreement signed by the two sides began to filter in.
Also Read: Minimum Wage Saga: How President Tinubu Checkmated NLC
In the agreement, it was stated that the government will offer an amount above the proposed 62,000 naira.
That day, Nigerians were unable to hold their displeasure.
A Waste Of Time
The NLC president who was hailed as a hero, became a villain to Nigerians in no time.
“It was a waste of time”, many whispered behind their keypads.
And when thought of how they stayed in darkness for hours begins to drop, it leaves Nigerians only more furious.
Nigerians are calmly coping with the hardship.
Everyone has gone back to managing what they earn.
Talks of the minimum wage has become a thing of the past.
The Big Question
Even the protest the NLC vowed to embark on after the ultimatum is no longer heard of, leaving Nigerians with many questions.
What really happened at that meeting?
While many are busy throwing questions in this direction, other say they are sure that envelopes had changed hands on that day.
Once again, Nigerians are left to face the hardship with no end in sight.
During an award ceremony in Kano, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, maintained the union’s stance on the proposed 250,000 Naira minimum wage.
He echoed the union’s commitment to advocating for the interests of Nigerian workers.
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