The Cross River State Government and key labour unions have successfully reached an agreement to implement a new national minimum wage of 70,000 naira. This decision followed a prolonged series of meetings that stretched through the weekend.
Sources confirm that the negotiations, which involved representatives from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), and other stakeholders, were part of efforts by the state government to address demands for better wages amidst rising costs of living. The discussions were led by the Minimum Wage Committee, established under Governor Bassey Otu’s administration.
The breakthrough was achieved late Sunday night after deliberations that began on Saturday. Speaking to reporters via telephone, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Monday Ogbodum, confirmed the development. “Truly, we have reached an agreement,” he stated, signaling the end of a critical phase in the negotiations.
When asked about the planned industrial action set to commence on Monday, December 2nd, Ogbodum explained that a meeting of union members would be held to decide the next steps. “There will be Congress tomorrow (Monday) to determine further action,” he said.
