During the May Day celebration in Abuja, Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, assured workers that the Federal Government is committed to implementing a new minimum wage effective May 1, 2024, amidst ongoing negotiations by the Tripartite Committee On National Minimum Wage. While acknowledging the delay in finalizing the new wage document, she stressed the government’s dedication to expediting the process through extensive consultations to ensure its timely release.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to expedite the upward review of wage awards. Organised Labour recently advocated for a new minimum wage of N615,000, citing economic challenges and the high cost of living. They expressed concerns that the current N30,000 minimum wage no longer adequately sustains the average Nigerian worker. Additionally, some governors highlighted non-compliance with the expired wage structure, established five years after former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Minimum Wage Act of 2019 into law. This Act mandates a review every five years to align with workers’ evolving economic needs.
In a separate address, President Tinubu commended Nigerian workers for their significant contributions to national development. His remarks, conveyed by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the 2024 Workers’ Day celebration in Abuja, recognized workers’ pivotal role in the nation’s progress. President Tinubu affirmed the government’s readiness to consider recommendations from the committee on the new national minimum wage. He also assured workers of the administration’s commitment to advancing reforms aimed at driving Nigeria’s development forward.
Follow us on Socials: