FG inaugurates 37-member minimum wage committee

FG inaugurates 37-member minimum wage committee

Although currently on a foreign trip to Paris, France, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday set out modalities for a comprehensive review of the existing national minimum wage, which is ex­pected to shore it up above the prevailing N30,000.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, in­augurated the committee, made up of eggheads drawn from Federal Government, state gov­ernments, labour circle and the organised private sector, at the Council Chambers of the Presi­dential Villa, Abuja, urging them to employ collective bargaining agreement in their consultations to come up with a workable wage for workers.

Tinubu said his aim for con­stituting the committee was to reinforce earnest desire to foster a motivated workforce, while re­affirming his promise to improve the welfare of Nigerian workers and, by extension, the entire na­tion.

He described the labour force as a catalyst that stands as the cor­nerstone of the progress of every nation, adding that it has been the enduring engine of our pursuit of development.

National Periscope recalls that following the outcry that greeted the removal of fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, when the new gov­ernment took over the helm of affairs, Nigerians, especially the working population, had insisted on a wage increase to cushion the impact of the policy.

While the impact became a bit unbearable, workers under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had embarked on strike to press home their de­mands, to which the Federal Gov­ernment responded by awarding a N35,000 increase for six months preceding the review of the wage policy.

Inaugurating the committee, he congratulated the nominees for making the list of the Tripar­tite National Minimum Wage Committee, stressing that they have been carefully selected for the crucial task of renegotiating a new National Minimum Wage for workers in Nigeria.

“Our sense of duty today thrives on both our sensitivity to the conditions of the Nigerian worker and the impending expira­tion of the last minimum wage in­strument in a few months. It is in recognition of the need to ensure a fair and decent living wage, and in compliance with the Act, that the Federal Government has set in motion necessary mechanisms to assemble this tripartite com­mittee to chart a future that aligns with our collective interests.

“While the decisions we have taken to save the economy are inevitable, we are not unaware of the short-term consequences. We believe that government is a continuum, and, as such, we have intervened in the systemic delays that undermined our economic growth.

“Since the removal of the sub­sidy, various committees have been established to examine and make recommendations to the government on measures to cush­ion the envisaged painful effects of the increase on workers and the Nigerian populace at large. I am pleased to share that action has since commenced on the im­plementation of the outcome of those agreements and initiatives.

“This gathering stems from the deliberations of one of the technical committees, which in­cluded representatives from both government and organised la­bour. We have identified the need for the review of the National Minimum Wage and to consider a minimum wage level that can alleviate the nation. It gladdens my heart that the recommenda­tion is being acted upon today, and we can all acknowledge that this is in line with our democratic process and adherence to the rule of law. I express my gratitude to all those who contributed to that endeavour.

“Given the comprehensive membership scope of this new National Minimum Wage Com­mittee, it includes all stakehold­ers. Recognising the significance of this initiative, and to ensure a substantial engagement, I hereby direct that ministers and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federa­tion should personally attend the meeting.

“In their unavoidable absence, their permanent secretaries should represent them. Similarly, governors are expected to attend in person or be represented by their commissioners where neces­sary. I urge you to consider the is­sue of a National Minimum Wage and all related matters with thor­oughness and concern, keeping in mind not only the welfare of our workforce but also the impact on the country’s economy,” Tinubu stated through his vice, Kashim Shettima.

The president went down memory lane, explaining that the issue of a National Minimum Wage for the federation falls with­in the exclusive legislative list of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

He told the committee that the objective should be to surpass the basic social protection floor for all Nigerian workers, considering the sustainable payment capaci­ty of each tier of government and other employers or businesses.

“I express this viewpoint be­cause the minimum wage rep­resents the least amount of com­pensation an employee should receive for their labour, and as such, it should be rooted in social justice and equity. I hope that the results of your deliberations will be consensual and acceptable to all parties involved.

“The government’s decision, following the consideration of your final recommendation, will be presented as an executive bill to the National Assembly. This bill, enriched by the contributions of state governments and private sector employers, will undergo thorough legislative scrutiny be­fore being passed into law.

“I am hopeful that the com­mittee will employ the principles of full consultation with social partners and their direct par­ticipation, considering the core provisions of the International Labour Organisation Minimum Wage Fixing Convention No. 131 and Minimum Wage Fixing Ma­chinery Convention No. 26, both of which have been ratified by Nigeria.

“In accordance with this, the conditions of genuine social dia­logue should prevail in the spirit of tripartism and collective bar­gaining agreements. I, therefore, encourage all of you to engage in collective bargaining in good faith, recognise each other, and maintain a spirit of give and take. Additionally, please contin­ue your consultations outside the committee as you work towards recommending a new National Minimum Wage.

“The committee is anticipat­ed to conclude its deliberations promptly and submit its report and recommendations. This timely submission is crucial to initiate the necessary processes for implementing a new Nation­al Minimum Wage. The Hon. Minister of Finance and Coordi­nating Minister of the Economy has been instructed to allocate the essential funds and logistics to the committee, facilitating the timely completion of its assigned task.

“I hereby inaugurate the Tri­partite Committee on National Minimum Wage and extend my best wishes for fruitful delibera­tions,” Tinubu noted.

Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Government of the Federa­tion, George Akume, reminded the committee members that they carry the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerian workers, not­ing that it will be instrumental in shaping the economic landscape of our nation.

He said the past year in the life of Nigeria has been marked by significant economic challeng­es following the removal of fuel subsidy, while a necessary step towards long-term fiscal sustain­ability, has undoubtedly imposed temporary hardships on many in recognition of these challenges.

According to the SGF, the gov­ernment made a commitment to cushion the effects on workers through a wage award being im­plemented currently.

“Today, we take another cru­cial step in fulfilling that promise by embarking on a comprehen­sive review of the national min­imum wage.

“The Minimum Wage Act of 2019 empowers this tripartite com­mittee, composed of representa­tives of government, organised labour, and employers, to engage in open and constructive dialogue to arrive at a fair and sustainable minimum wage”, Akume said.

Former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, is chairing the committee.

The committee members from the Federal Government level are Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment (representing Hon. Minister of Labour and Employ­ment); Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Alhaji Atiku Ba­gudu, Minister of Budget and Eco­nomic Planning; Dr. (Mrs) Yemi Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, GSO, OSGF and Ekpo Nta, Chairman/CEO, NSIWC, member/secretary.

From the state government level are Alh. Mohammed Umar Bago, governor, Niger State, rep­resentative from North Central; Sen. Bala Mohammed, governor, Bauchi State, representative from North East; Alh. Umar Dikko Radda, governor, Katsina State, representative from North West; Prof. Charles Soludo, governor, Anambra State, representative from the South East; Sen. Ademo­la Adeleke, governor, Osun State, representative from South West; Mr. Otu Bassey Edet, governor, Cross River State, representative from South South.

From the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) are Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General, NECA; Mr. Chuma Nwankwo; Mr. Thomp­son Akpabio with also members from the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Indus­try, Mines and Agriculture (NA­CCIMA) including Asiwaju (Dr.) Michael Olawale-Cole, National President; Hon. (Dr.) Ahmed Rabiu, National Vice President and Chief Humphrey Ngonadi (NPOM), National Life President.

The membership from the Na­tional Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) are Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima, President & Chairman of Coun­cil; Hon. Theophilus Nnorom Okwuchukwu, private sector representative; Dr. Muhammed Nura Bello, Zonal Vice President, North West and also from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) are Mrs. Grace Omo-Lamai, Human Resource Director, Nigerian Breweries; Se­gun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-Gener­al, MAN; Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Managing Director, Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited.

From the organised labour, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, President, NLC; Comrade Emmanuel Ug­boaja, Comrade Prince Adeyan­ju Adewale; Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji; Comrade Ben­jamin Anthony and Prof. Theo­philius Ndukuba.

From the Trade Union Con­gress of Nigeria (TUC) are Com­rade (Engr.) Festus Osifo, Pres­ident, TUC; Comrade Tommy Etim Okon, Deputy President I, TUC; Comrade Kayode Suraju­deen Alakija, Deputy President II; Comrade Jimoh Oyibo, Deputy President III; Comrade Nuhu A. Toro, Secretary-General and Com­rade Hafusatu Shuaib, Chairper­son Women Committee. (Independent)