The Federal Government has reassured workers across the country that the implementation of the new national minimum wage will indeed commence from April 1.
Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, gave this assurance during the commemoration of the May Day celebration in Abuja on Wednesday. The theme of the 2024 May Day celebration is ‘People First.’
Onyejeocha recalled that on January 30, 2024, the Federal Government took a decisive step towards enhancing the welfare of Nigerian workers by inaugurating a 37-man Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage. She emphasized that this committee was mandated with the critical responsibility of recommending a realistic national minimum wage that aligns with the current economic landscape.
“Since then, the committee has been working tirelessly alongside Labour leaders to reach an agreement on a new National Minimum Wage that reflects the country’s economic realities. Although the committee could not reach a consensus at its last meeting before the May deadline, we want to reassure Nigerian workers that we are working diligently around the clock with organised labour to conclude negotiations and ensure a successful outcome. Our commitment is unwavering, and Nigerian workers should rest assured that despite the short delay, the new minimum wage will take effect on April 1, 2024,” she stated.
She further emphasized the government’s receptiveness to the committee’s suggestion of transitioning beyond a mere minimum wage to a living wage that truly reflects the value of workers’ contributions. Onyejeocha expressed that it was unacceptable for any worker to toil tirelessly and still struggle to make ends meet, hence, the ongoing efforts by the federal government to pay Wage Award to workers and review of the National Minimum Wage by a tripartite Committee. This was to ensure that every worker received a fair living wage that would enable them to live with dignity, provide for their families, and contribute to the growth of the economy.
The minister also affirmed the government’s commitment to placing the needs and aspirations of workers at the forefront of the national agenda, providing fair and just working conditions which are not just ideals but basic human rights. She emphasized the importance of creating workplaces that foster dignity, respect, job security, and inclusivity for all.
Onyejeocha urged all stakeholders to embrace a spirit of cooperation, understanding, and patriotism, coupled with diligence and increased productivity. She reiterated the government’s empathy with the struggles of workers and citizens and its unwavering commitment to their well-being, encouraging organised labour to foster a conducive environment that promotes constructive engagement and collaborative problem-solving for the benefit of all stakeholders and the nation as a whole.
