The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has deferred the memorandum on the report of the Tripartite Committee on the New National Minimum Wage, opting for further consultation. This decision was disclosed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, following the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
“The Federal Executive Council deliberated on the new national minimum wage and decided to step down the memo to allow President Tinubu to consult further, especially with state governors and the organized private sector,” said Idris. “The national minimum wage involves multiple stakeholders, including the federal, state, and local governments, as well as the organized private sector and labor unions.”
Idris emphasised the necessity for broader consultations. “Mr. President needs to interact with other wage-paying entities to factor their contributions and circumstances into the executive bill before it is presented to the National Assembly,” he explained. “This is to ensure that the new national minimum wage reflects the realities of all stakeholders.”
The Tripartite Committee, which includes representatives from the government, the organized private sector, and labor unions, had concluded its meeting with differing proposals. The government team and the private sector suggested raising the minimum wage from the current N30,000 to N62,000, while the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) demanded a N250,000 living wage.
“The President is taking a thoughtful approach to this issue,” Idris continued. “He will consult widely to have an informed position before making a final submission to the National Assembly.”
The decision to delay comes amid expectations from the labor unions. Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, had expressed disappointment that the President had not yet reached out to harmonize the figures proposed by the Tripartite Committee, citing a stalemate at the end of their meeting.
“The organized labor had expected the President to engage with the Tripartite Committee members to harmonize the figure,” said Ajaero.
As the consultations continue, stakeholders across various sectors will be keenly observing the developments, anticipating a resolution that addresses the economic realities and ensures fair wages for all workers in Nigeria.
