Tinubu explains reasons behind delay in implementing new minimum wage for Nigerian workers

According to statements made by President Bola Tinubu, his administration is in talks with Nigerian labour unions to set a fair and legally-binding minimum wage for each of the 36 state governments in the nation.

In an exclusive interview with The Nation newspaper, Mr. Tinubu disclosed this information and stated that his government was taking state finances into account before deciding on a new national minimum wage that would be applicable to all sectors of the economy.

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“I understand the concerns regarding the announcement of the new minimum wage and how states, especially those with fewer resources, will manage these changes,” he remarked. My administration has decided to address this by temporarily raising the federal minimum wage to N35,000 per month for a six-month period. The first two months of this increase have already been paid.

This choice was made after thorough discussions with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). We are collaborating closely with the states in order to manage the issue and make sure the new wage structure is workable and long-lasting. It’s critical to take into account the distinct financial circumstances of each state. Our attention is directed towards methods that states might use to bolster their economies, taking into account things like economic diversity and tax efficiency.

We are dedicated to maintaining constant communication with state governments and labour unions. In order to guarantee that the new minimum wage is just, reasonable, and enforceable in every state, cooperation among stakeholders is essential. Our objective is to strike a balance between our employees’ financial security and the country’s general financial health. We want Nigerians to know that they can count on our administration to keep working until a long-term solution that serves their interests is delivered.

Concurrently, the nation’s organised labour advised the federal and state governments to get ready to raise the minimum wage from the existing N30,000 per month and said they would shortly present a firm stance on the suspension of the salary award payment to civil officials.

Additionally, it forewarned state governors that if the minimum wage is enacted into law the next year, they will be forced to pay it.