By Uzair Adam
Following the recent enactment of a N70,000 minimum wage for public workers, over 20 states have announced their readiness to implement the new standard.
However, the private sector’s response remains less visible.
Notably, the textile industry has set a new precedent, as the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) and the Nigeria Textile, Garment, and Tailoring Employers Association (NTGTEA) agreed on a 25% pay increase for the sector’s lowest-paid workers.
Vanguard reports that this adjustment, effective August 1, raises their monthly wage to N75,000.
Meeting under the National Joint Industrial Negotiating Council (NJINC) in Lagos on October 21, 2024, representatives of NUTGTWN and NTGTEA reviewed their sectoral collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
The current agreement includes wage-related allowances such as medical, transport, and food subsidies, aiming to offer better support amid Nigeria’s challenging economic climate.
The NJINC also announced efforts to incorporate clauses from ILO Conventions 190 and 155, reinforcing workplace safety and addressing harassment.
“This year’s negotiation outcome underscores the union’s dedication to a living wage,” stated Peters Godonu and Ali Baba, leaders of NUTGTWN.
Despite the textile sector’s significant challenges, such as rising production costs, smuggling, and insufficient infrastructure, the union expressed appreciation for the cooperation shown by the NTGTEA.
The union also called for government support, urging policies that protect the textile industry and enable it to remain competitive.
With the NJINC’s history of peaceful negotiations and its commitment to social dialogue, leaders stress that a supportive regulatory environment is crucial for the sector’s sustainability and growth.