President Bola Tinubu has initiated plans for a comprehensive review of the current national minimum wage, aiming to increase it beyond the existing N30,000 threshold. The committee, comprising representatives from the Federal Government, state governments, labor unions, and the private sector, was inaugurated by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of collective bargaining in determining a fair wage for workers, expressing his commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian workers and the nation as a whole.
Following public outcry over the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, labor unions, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, demanded a wage increase to mitigate the policy’s impact. In response, the Federal Government granted a temporary N35,000 increase for six months pending a comprehensive review.
President Tinubu commended the committee members for their selection and underscored the urgency of renegotiating a new minimum wage. He stressed the need for a fair and decent living wage, acknowledging the short-term economic challenges but reaffirming the government’s commitment to addressing workers’ concerns.
The President instructed ministers, civil service heads, and governors to actively participate in the committee’s deliberations, ensuring a thorough consideration of all relevant factors. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to complying with international labor standards and facilitating genuine social dialogue among stakeholders.
The committee is mandated to submit its recommendations promptly to facilitate the legislative process of enacting a new minimum wage law. President Tinubu assured the allocation of necessary resources to support the committee’s work and urged members to engage in constructive dialogue to achieve consensus.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, emphasized the committee’s pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s economic future and called for sustained efforts to address the nation’s challenges.
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