President’s Unusual Appearance
President Bola Tinubu plans to discuss the new national minimum wage with state governors at the 142nd National Economic Council (NEC) meeting. This meeting is set to take place at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Thursday. The President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, revealed this during a condolence visit in Kano.
Consultations Before NEC Meeting
While delivering President Tinubu’s message to Vice President Kashim Shettima, Gbajabiamila mentioned that Tinubu’s attendance at the NEC meeting is rare. He highlighted that the President’s presence underscores the importance of the ongoing discussions about the national minimum wage.
Stepping Down the Tripartite Committee Report
The NEC meeting follows the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) decision on Tuesday to defer the report from the Tripartite Committee on the new national minimum wage. The FEC cited the need for further consultations with various stakeholders, including state governors and the private sector, before a final decision can be made.
State Governors’ Role
The state governors have a significant role in the minimum wage discussions. They, along with local government authorities and private sector representatives, are crucial stakeholders in determining the new wage structure. The governors have expressed concerns about their ability to sustain a minimum wage higher than N60,000.
Broader Consultations Needed
Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, emphasized that the national minimum wage affects not only the federal government but also state and local governments, as well as the organized private sector. This broad impact necessitates comprehensive consultations before any legislative action is taken.
Ongoing Negotiations
The Federal Government, along with labor unions like the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress, has engaged in several discussions regarding the new minimum wage. While labor unions demand N250,000, the Federal Government and states have counter-offered N62,000, with state governors pushing for a maximum of N60,000.
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