The Federal Government has called for a balance between workers’ demands for higher salaries and its financial capacity as labour tensions rise ahead of the expiration of the Nigeria Labour Congress’ (NLC) two-week ultimatum over petrol prices and negotiations for a new national minimum wage.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, made the call on Monday during the board retreat of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission in Abuja.
Akume, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office in the Office of the SGF, Dr Abubakar Kana, said wage decisions must reflect prevailing economic conditions while protecting workers’ welfare.
“The commission must continually balance the legitimate expectations of workers with the fiscal realities of government and broader imperatives of national economic development,” he said.
Akume noted that the approaching 2027 general elections, ongoing economic reforms and rising public expectations had made sustainable wage administration increasingly important.
He identified three key priorities for the commission: developing evidence-based wage policies, modernising its institutions and ensuring the effective implementation of recommendations.
According to him, salary decisions should be guided by reliable economic data and consultations with organised labour, employers and other stakeholders.
He also urged the commission to strengthen its research capacity, embrace digital technology and establish measurable performance targets to improve its operations.
The SGF warned against avoidable industrial disputes, stressing that constructive engagement between the government and labour unions was necessary to maintain industrial stability.
“A credible and inclusive approach towards governance is indispensable to building trust, preventing avoidable industrial disputes like we’re about to have now, and promoting a stable environment for national development,” he said.
Meanwhile, NLC President Joe Ajaero maintained that the union’s earlier ultimatum to the Federal Government remained in force, although he declined to negotiate the matter during the retreat.
Ajaero said the government should introduce measures to address workers’ economic hardship before industrial action became necessary.
The NLC has demanded a reduction in petrol prices and the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage, warning that failure to address its demands within the stipulated period could lead to further action.
The latest exchange highlights growing tensions between the government and organised labour over workers’ purchasing power, rising living costs and the timing of negotiations for a new minimum wage.
