The Federal Government has announced that despite ongoing negotiations by the Tripartite Committee On National Minimum Wage, workers will not face any financial setbacks, as the new minimum wage will be implemented from May 1, 2024.
Speaking at the May Day celebration in Abuja, the Minister of State Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, assured Nigerian workers that efforts are being made to finalize the new national minimum wage as soon as possible, although it is regrettable that the process has not concluded before today.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have consistently urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to expedite the upward review of wage awards.
Recently, Organised Labour has demanded a new minimum wage of N615,000 to help workers cope with the country’s economic realities and high cost of living.
They have pointed out that the current minimum wage of N30,000 is insufficient to sustain an average Nigerian worker, also noting that not all governors are complying with the current wage award.
This award, which expired in April, was established by the Minimum Wage Act of 2019, signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Act stipulates that the minimum wage should be reviewed every five years to align with the contemporary economic demands of workers.
President Tinubu has praised the invaluable contributions of Nigerian workers to the country’s growth.
In an address delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 2024 Workers’ Day event in Abuja, President Tinubu commended the dedication of workers and assured them that the Federal government is open to receiving the recommendations of the committee on the new national minimum wage.
He further assured workers that the current administration’s reform agenda is focused on advancing the progress of Nigeria.
