President Bola Tinubu has stated that the new national minimum wage should be grounded in principles of social justice and equity.
He disclosed this when he inaugurated the Tripartite National Minimum Wage Committee yesterday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The 37-man tripartite committee, comprising six governors, some cabinet ministers, representatives of the organised labour and the private sector, has been tasked with reviewing and recommending a new national minimum wage ahead of the expiration of the current wage instrument.
The president, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, highlighted the importance of a fair minimum wage.
President Tinubu stated, “The minimum wage represents the least amount of compensation an employee should receive for their labour, and as such, it should be rooted in social justice and equity.”
Recognising the imminent expiration of the last Minimum Wage Instrument, President Tinubu stressed the need for a fair and decent living wage.
He said, “Since the removal of the subsidy, various committees have been established to examine and make recommendations to the government on measures to cushion the envisaged painful effects of the increase on workers and the Nigerian populace at large.
“I am pleased to share that action has since commenced on the implementation of the outcome of those agreements and initiatives.”
The president directed all stakeholders, including ministers, governors and private sector employers to be actively involved in the committee’s deliberations.
He also instructed the minister of finance to allocate necessary funds and resources to facilitate the committee’s work.
Emphasising the need for timely recommendations, Tinubu urged the committee to conclude deliberations promptly and submit their report.
Tinubu reminded the Committee to adhere to the principles of full consultation with social partners, aligning with international conventions such as the International Labour Organisation Minimum Wage Fixing Convention No. 131 and Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery Convention No. 26.
On his part, the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) highlighted President Tinubu’s support for Nigerian workers and the formation of a tripartite committee to hasten the decision-making process.
He said, “Nigerian workers, everyone deserves a rise in his pay package. Honestly, we want a situation where Nigerian workers are sufficiently motivated to work for the common good.”
Speaking to State House correspondents, Niger State Governor Umar Bago expressed the government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian citizens.
He acknowledged challenges faced by sub-nationals but emphasized collaboration with the federal government to address them.
Anticipating potential issues, Governor Bago highlighted the importance of discussing challenges together.
“We don’t want to preempt the outcome of this meeting, but you need to understand that the sub-nationals also have challenges and that the federal government, in its own wisdom, has brought the sub-nationals into perspective and this discussion will be done together with the sub-national, so I’m not sure we’re going to foresee any challenge,” he added.
The Minister of State of Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha stressed the urgency of concluding discussions on the minimum wage increase before April 1, citing legal obligations.
On his part, the chairman of the Tripartite Committee, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, assured the President that the committee will do justice to the task assigned to it.
