The Federal Government has issued a warning to the organized labour against negotiating an unreasonable new minimum wage.

It warned that seeking a new wage that is not sustainable would lead to mass retrenchment of workers or endanger the welfare of about 200 million Nigerians.

Speaking at the opening of the 2024 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, noted that the N250,000 minimum wage demanded by labour could undermine the economy.

The Information Minister stressed the imperative of a realistic wage system that safeguards against mass retrenchment while addressing workers’ needs.

Idris restated the government’s dedication to reassessing the minimum wage but cautioned against demands that could disrupt the economy.

He stated: “As I have repeatedly said, the Federal Government is not opposed to the increase of wages for Nigerian workers but we keep on advocating for a realistic and sustainable wage system for the workers – a wage system that will not undermine the economy, lead to mass retrenchment of workers and jeopardize the welfare of about 200 million Nigerians.