GOVERNMENT LABOUR RELATIONS AND THE POLITICS OF MINIMUM WAGE IN NIGERIA FOURTH REPUBLIC

This study examines government–labour relations and the politics of minimum wage in Nigeria's Fourth Republic, spanning from 1999 to the present. The minimum wage has remained one of the most contentious issues in industrial relations, serving as a focal point of negotiation and conflict between the government, labour unions, and employers. Despite periodic reviews of the national minimum wage aimed at improving workers' welfare and addressing the rising cost of living, implementation has often been characterized by political bargaining, fiscal constraints, and disputes among stakeholders. The study investigates the dynamics of government–labour relations in the formulation, negotiation, and implementation of minimum wage policies during the Fourth Republic. It explores the roles played by major labour organizations, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), in advocating for wage increases, as well as the responses of federal and state governments. The research adopts a historical and qualitative approach, utilizing both primary and secondary sources, including government publications, labour union documents, academic literature, newspapers, and policy reports. Findings reveal that minimum wage negotiations in Nigeria are often influenced by political considerations, economic conditions, electoral calculations, and intergovernmental fiscal relations. While labour unions have successfully pressured governments to review wages through strikes and collective bargaining, implementation remains uneven across states due to differences in financial capacity and political will. The study further demonstrates that the politics surrounding minimum wage determination reflects broader challenges in Nigeria's democratic governance, including issues of accountability, social justice, and economic sustainability. The study concludes that effective government–labour relations are essential for industrial harmony and socioeconomic development. It recommends the institutionalization of regular wage review mechanisms, improved social dialogue, stronger enforcement frameworks, and policies that balance workers' welfare with economic realities. Such measures would enhance trust between government and labour and contribute to sustainable industrial relations in Nigeria.