The Tripartite National Minimum Wage Committee, comprising representatives from the federal government, state governments, private sector, and organised labour, is set to commence discussions today regarding the impending adjustment to the minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
Inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu on January 30, 2024, the committee is tasked with submitting its recommendations to the National Assembly as an executive bill before the expiration of the current N30,000 minimum wage in March 2024.
The onset of negotiations coincides with a strike notice issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) concerning alleged shortcomings in the implementation of fuel subsidy removal palliatives, including the delayed payment of the N35,000 wage award.
Despite the strike warning, the federal government has urged the labour unions to withdraw the notice, reassuring the resumption of the wage award payment last week.
The NLC confirmed the initiation of talks today and hinted at the possibility of requesting a new wage higher than the initially proposed N1 million. Comrade Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs at NLC, clarified that the N1 million proposal was conditional and subject to change based on evolving socio-economic circumstances.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, asserted that the federal government is advocating for a fair, sustainable, and mutually beneficial minimum wage for all stakeholders.
However, the NLC has raised objections to the committee’s composition, alleging that some members do not adequately represent the interests of workers. The labor union has vowed to resist any attempt to impose a minimum wage that could further impoverish workers and the general population.
