By Gloria Ikibah
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) is meeting today to address key issues affecting Nigeria, with a particular focus on the ongoing minimum wage dispute.
Naijablitznews.com reports that under the directive of President Bola Tinubu, FEC meetings now occur every Monday, replacing the previous Wednesday schedule established since the last meeting held on May 13th and 14th.
According to sources today’s agenda centers primarily on the contentious minimum wage standoff between the federal government and organized labour groups.
The government, following a report from a newly formed tripartite committee, has acknowledged the feasibility of increasing the minimum wage to ₦62,000. However, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are advocating for a higher ₦250,000 minimum wage.
Today’s meeting holds critical importance as it seeks to bridge the gap between the government’s proposal and the demands of labour. The council is expected to thoroughly review labour’s position and assess the government’s capacity to accommodate these demands.
The outcome of this meeting is expected to lead to the drafting of an executive bill aimed at resolving the wage issue, which will subsequently be presented to the National Assembly for consideration. The resolution of the minimum wage debate holds significant implications, impacting millions of workers and influencing broader economic factors such as purchasing power and consumer spending.