Amidst Hope and Challenges, Nigerian Workers Await Outcome of Tripartite Committee’s Deliberations
Yesterday, Nigerian workers expressed optimism as the Federal Government inaugurated a 37-man tripartite committee tasked with planning a new national minimum wage. The committee, which includes representatives from the Federal Government, state governments, Labour circle, and the Organised Private Sector, aims to propose a workable wage for workers through collective bargaining agreements.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima set out modalities for a comprehensive review of the existing minimum wage, emphasizing the importance of employing collective bargaining in the consultation process. The committee, directed by Tinubu, includes governors, ministers, and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, who are mandated to personally attend meetings or send suitable representatives.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiru Onyejeocha, urged the committee to expedite action to ensure that minimum wage issues are resolved before the April deadline. Meanwhile, Festus Osifo, president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), highlighted the challenges faced by workers due to inflation, stressing the need for a wage that reflects current economic realities.
Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), emphasized the importance of government commitment to achieving a robust minimum wage. However, Humphrey Ngonadi, national president of the National Association of Chamber of Commerce (NACCIMA), raised concerns about inflation eroding the new minimum wage’s value, urging the government to address inflation concerns.
Ahead of negotiations, organized labour proposed a living wage of $300 for workers, citing the erosion of the current minimum wage by inflation and high living costs. The call for a new wage comes amidst delays in salary payments by the Federal Government, adding to workers’ hardships.
In response, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, emphasized the importance of dialogue in achieving peace and stability in implementing government policies. She urged leaders of organized labour to engage constructively with the government to enhance productivity.
Workers across the country welcomed the move by the Federal Government, expressing hopes for a minimum wage that adequately addresses their needs. Many shared personal stories of financial struggles due to low incomes and rising living costs, urging the government to prioritize workers’ welfare.
The tripartite committee, chaired by former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Bukar Goni Aji, comprises representatives from various sectors, including government, private sector, and organized labour. With expectations high, workers await the committee’s deliberations, hoping for a positive outcome that improves their living standards and contributes to national development.
