THE Federal Government has reassured workers that they will soon benefit from an increase in their monthly pay, as crucial meetings are underway to finalise the consequential adjustments for the newly approved minimum wage.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made this announcement during a town hall meeting in Abuja the nations capital
The engagement, which focused on the ‘Imperatives of the Eight-Point Agenda’ of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, was aimed at informing and gathering input from labour organisations and employers.
Onyejeocha noted that the government is not responsible for the delays in the implementation of the new minimum wage but rather stated that the hold-up stems from labour’s inability to conclude discussions on the consequential adjustments.
she however expressed optimism promising that both the government and a tripartite committee are in active discussions to finalise the whole process.
“As of today, there is a government-side meeting this morning on the new minimum wage and consequential adjustments. By 2 p.m., the tripartite committee will meet with the Head of Service to finalise details. Once an agreement is reached, payments will commence,” she assured.
The tripartite committee, which includes the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and representatives from the Organised Private Sector, is well focused on determining the payment modalities
The honorable minister expressed hope that the meetings would conclude swiftly, enabling the commencement of payments without further delays.
She also emphasised that the Ministry of Labour is committed to fostering decent work conditions across all sectors, ensuring industrial harmony as part of President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope agenda’.
On the other hand, TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo ably represented by Comrade Jimoh Oyibo, expressed deep concerns over the country’s growing economic downturn at the moment which has affected many livelihood in the country.
He accused political parties of exploiting Nigerians’ plight, claiming that the promises made by President Tinubu regarding a N70,000 minimum wage were misleading.
Osifo lamented the ugly situation, stating: “The government continues to distribute palliatives like noodles and small items in a manner that devalues the dignity of Nigerians. It is time for citizens to take the situation more seriously, as the current administration has failed to deliver on its promises.”
He called for a reform of the country’s political system, stressing that the current party structure has not lived up to the expectations of ordinary Nigerians who are always at the receiving end of Politician’s ineptitude and cluelessness in governance.
Comrade Issa Aremu, Director of the National Institute for Labour Studies, encouraged open dialogue between the government and critical stakeholders.
He urged both parties to focus on proposing constructive solutions that would address the nation’s challenges in a gradual and humane manner.
Aremu expressed confidence that these discussions would lead to positive outcomes, emphasising the importance of not taking anything for granted during such crucial deliberations.
