The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to announce a new national minimum wage, according to Dr. Kamil Shoretire, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. He made this disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja at a capacity building workshop organised for labour correspondents. The new minimum wage aims to alleviate the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers. Dr. Shoretire stated that discussions between the government and stakeholders are ongoing.
Dr. Shoretire further explained that although no date has been fixed for formal negotiations, the government is working towards reaching an agreement. He mentioned that background discussions are already underway, but a timetable for the negotiations has not been announced yet. The details of the proposed negotiations will be made public at the appropriate stage. Dr. Shoretire assured that the press will be involved in the process and will be informed of the proposals and negotiations.
The development comes amid pressure from organised labour for a review of the current N70,000 national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government in 2024. Labour groups have been advocating for an increase in the minimum wage to N500,000, alongside an immediate wage award for workers. They have also demanded a reduction in the price of petrol to N500 per litre. The current minimum wage has been in place for two years, and labour groups argue that it is no longer sufficient.
Dr. Shoretire also mentioned that the government is engaging workers in sectors where disputes over salaries and allowances are still unresolved. This move is aimed at resolving the lingering issues and ensuring that workers receive their due entitlements. The government is working to address the concerns of workers in various sectors.
The announcement of a new minimum wage is expected to bring relief to Nigerian workers who have been experiencing economic hardship. The current economic situation has led to an increase in the cost of living, and workers have been calling for a review of the minimum wage. The government's move to announce a new minimum wage is seen as a step in the right direction.
The Federal Government has been engaging with stakeholders, including labour unions and employers, to ensure that the new minimum wage is fair and sustainable. The government is expected to consider various factors, including the country's economic situation, inflation rate, and the ability of employers to pay.
The new minimum wage is expected to be announced in the coming weeks or months, although no specific timeline has been given. Dr. Shoretire assured that the government is working diligently to ensure that the process is completed as soon as possible. The announcement of a new minimum wage will be a welcome development for Nigerian workers.
Key points
- The Federal Government is working towards announcing a new national minimum wage to help reduce economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers.
- The current minimum wage of N70,000, approved in 2024, has been deemed insufficient by labour groups.
- The government is engaging workers in sectors with unresolved salary and allowance disputes.
