Today, May 15, 2024 (Wednesday), shall see the convening of the Federal Government’s tripartite committee, dedicated to devising feasible solutions to the deadlock affecting the National minimum wage dialogue.
Reporting from the source, the Labor unions remain unwavering in their stance for a ₦615,000 minimum wage demand, adhering strictly to the deadline set for May 31, 2024.
This development ensues subsequent to the Federal Government’s inability to propose a new, nationally acceptable minimum wage for Nigerians post the lapse of the previous minimum wage on April 18, 2024.
On January 30, 2024, the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, initiated the formation of the 37-member tripartite committee, which has been tasked with establishing a fresh minimum wage framework.
Comprising representatives from the federal and state governments, the private sector, and labor organizations, this panel has been given the mandate to set forth a new national minimum wage for the country.
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At the time of the committee’s inception, Shettima called on the group to “expeditiously” deliberate on the matter and relay their conclusions promptly.
“The timely submission is critical for the emergence of a new minimum wage,” stated Shettima.
He also encouraged constructive and good faith bargaining, underscored the importance of honoring contracts, and supported discussions beyond committee confines.
The committee, led by Goni Aji, the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, resumed its negotiation efforts on Wednesday, as confirmed by a source from the NLC to the press unofficially.
“Indeed, the minimum wage committee’s meeting is slated for Wednesday,” the source mentioned.
He stated that reports from all geographical zones of the country had been collected.
“We have unequivocal expectations. We have set a deadline until the end of May for completing all processes around the national minimum wage, failing which we will be compelled to take appropriate actions to ensure compliance,” he expressed.
“Therefore, as they convene, we anticipate them to keep an eye on this specific timeline to finalize the process swiftly because organized labor has placed a demand on the Federal Government, and so far, we have not witnessed any tangible proposal from them.”
The informant insisted that the Federal Government should disclose its proposal publicly.
“In this genuine negotiation exercise, a realistic proposal must be presented.
“The Federal Government ought to offer something that genuinely reflects workers’ interests and also the well-being of Nigeria,” he articulated, noting that fair wages would result in enhanced worker motivation, higher productivity, and consequently, an invigorated economy.
The source indicated that a meaningful new minimum wage would bolster workers’ purchasing power, which in turn would positively influence the economic landscape.
In conclusion, As reported by the source, Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, pointed out that the proposed N615,000 minimum wage by Labor was deduced from a thorough analysis of current economic scenarios and the financial necessities of a typical Nigerian six-member family.
SOURCE: African Today News, New York.
