On Tuesday, the 37-man Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage was inaugurated by the Federal Government. The main objective of this committee is to propose a new National Minimum Wage for the country.
The committee was inaugurated by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa Abuja. He emphasized the importance of timely submission of recommendations by the committee.
The committee is chaired by Goni Bukar Aji, the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and consists of representatives from organized labor, the private sector, and the federal and state governments.
The decision to establish this committee is in line with the National Minimum Wage Act of 2019, which is set to expire in a few months.
The committee’s membership is diverse, including representatives from the Federal Government, state governments, private sector, and organized labor. Several state governors were present at the inauguration, including Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and Bassey Otu of Cross River State.
The committee members from the Federal Government include Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, who represents the Minister of Labour and Employment; Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget Economic Planning; Yemi Esan, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, the Permanent Secretary, GSO. OSGF; and Ekpo Nta, the Chairman/CEO of NSIWC, who serves as the Member/Secretary of the committee.
Representatives from various states and organizations have been appointed to the committee. These include Alh. Mohammed Umar Bago, Governor of Niger State, representing the North Central; Sen. Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State, representing the North East; Alh. Umar Dikko Radda, Governor of Katsina State, representing the North West; Prof. Charles Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, representing the South East; Sen. Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State, representing the South West; and Mr. Otu Bassey Edet, Governor of Cross River State, also representing the South West. Additionally, members from organizations such as NECA, NACCIMA, NASME, and MAN have been included in the committee.
These members bring a diverse range of expertise and perspectives to the table, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the committee’s work. Furthermore, representatives from the NLC and TUC, two prominent labor unions, have also been appointed to the committee, ensuring that the interests of workers are well-represented.
With this diverse group of individuals, the committee is well-equipped to address the issues at hand and make informed decisions for the benefit of the nation.
