NASS to Review New Minimum Wage Bill

The National Assembly (NASS) is set to review a new minimum wage bill. Discover what changes might be coming and how they could affect workers nationwide.

On Tuesday, the National Assembly will be handed an executive bill concerning the new national minimum wage. This follows a successful negotiation between President Bola Tinubu and labour leaders regarding a salary augmentation.

At the Aso Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, a meeting took place where President Tinubu and representatives from Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (namely Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo as their respective presidents) reached an agreement to increase the minimum wage to N70,000. The previous minimum wage of N30,000 that had been effective until April 18th, 2024 will be replaced by this new amount.

On Tuesday, the executive bill for minimum wage will be presented to the National Assembly as confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. Onanuga stated that labor leaders were informed by the President about its readiness.

President Tinubu stressed his dedication to enhancing the conditions of workers while making the announcement. He expressed, “It has always been my goal to tackle concerns related to employees. To ensure equality, no federal worker should receive a salary lower than N70,000 which we shall establish as the new standard.

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Having failed to reach a consensus, the Tripartite Committee on the New National Minimum Wage submitted two proposals for consideration by President Tinubu in January. The first proposal came from the government and organized private sector at N62,000 while labor unions demanded N250,000 instead. To resolve this impasse before sending an executive bill to the National Assembly,Tinubu requested more time so he could consult with other stakeholders and harmonize both figures as needed.

Following additional talks with the organized private sector and sub-national entities, President Tinubu convened a meeting last week with leaders of NLC and TUC. While no consensus was initially achieved, subsequent consultations ultimately culminated in Thursday’s decision.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed his contentment with the result after the meeting. He stated that Nigeria could celebrate today since both organized labor and the Federal Government had come to an agreement on a new minimum wage of N70,000. The deal also contained substantial government funding for infrastructure and renewable energy projects in addition to granting local governments more autonomy.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities will receive their unpaid salaries as pledged by the government. Furthermore, increased investment in compressed natural gas (CNG) buses is expected to bolster Nigeria’s shift towards sustainable energy.

Idris commended the patriotism and cooperation of the labor leaders with their government. “The role that organized labor plays in promoting Nigeria’s unity and prosperity is greatly appreciated,” he acknowledged. He further stated, “By reaching an agreement today, they have demonstrated a mutual dedication to building a better future for our country.”