President of the federal republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially inaugurated a 37-member tripartite committee aimed at formulating a new national minimum wage for Nigeria.
The inauguration, conducted by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of the President, who is currently on a private visit to France, marks a crucial step in addressing the nation’s wage policies.
Chaired by the former head of civil service of the federation, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, the committee boasts representatives from various sectors, including the federal government, state government, private sector, and organized labor. Notable federal government members include Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, and Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
State government representation features governors such as Alhaji Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger State), Sen. Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State), Alh. Umar Dikko Radda (Katsina State), Prof. Charles Soludo (Anambra State), Sen. Ademola Adeleke (Osun State), and Mr. Otu Bassey Edet (Cross River State).
The committee also includes members from prominent associations like the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprise (NASME), and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).
Representing organized labor are key figures from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), including Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of NLC, and Comrade (Engr) Festus Osifo, President of TUC.
Vice President Shettima urged the committee to leverage collective bargaining in formulating an acceptable recommendation on the new wage policy. The nation eagerly awaits the committee’s swift deliberations and recommendations on this critical matter.
“Our 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 President told members of the committee.
The news was made public by the Vice President on his social media handle.
