In a bid to address the ongoing negotiations over a new national minimum wage, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has emphasized the importance of reaching a sustainable agreement between the government and organised labour.
This directive was issued in a communique following the NGF’s virtual meeting, signed by its Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The NGF assured labour of governors’ commitment to implementing an improved wage.
Responding to the governors’ stance, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) warned state governors against failing to comply with the new minimum wage once it’s approved. The NLC and TUC have been vocal in their demands for a significant increase in the minimum wage, presenting a proposal of ₦615,000 to the tripartite committee constituted by President Bola Tinubu earlier this year.
Despite calls from labour unions for a substantial wage increase, the government has been hesitant to accept their proposal, as evidenced by the lack of announcement during the recent May Day celebrations. The NGF, however, stated that it is evaluating each state government’s fiscal capacity and potential impacts to determine an enhanced minimum wage that can be sustained across states.
In the communique, the NGF highlighted ongoing efforts within the 37-member tripartite committee to arrive at an agreeable national minimum wage. They emphasized the importance of considering various recommendations and fiscal implications to ensure sustainable implementation. “We remain committed to the process and promise that better wages will be the invariable outcome of ongoing negotiations,” the communique stated.
Tommy Etim, TUC Vice President, emphasized the binding nature of the minimum wage agreement at the federal level, asserting that governors’ decisions will align with the final outcome of the negotiations. However, the exact timeline for the committee’s next meeting remains uncertain, as confirmed by a top official of the NLC.
Labour unions have firmly stood by their demand for a ₦615,000 minimum wage, citing the rising cost of living exacerbated by recent economic reforms. Chief Emmanuel Fashe, the Adamawa State Chairman of the NLC, praised Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for his commitment to implementing the new minimum wage without further negotiations.
Meanwhile, in Kwara State, the NLC Chairman Muritala Olayinka expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in increasing the monthly award for state workers, despite efforts to persuade Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. He urged the governor to set an example by implementing the new minimum wage promptly.
Governor AbdulRazaq, in his May Day address, pledged to implement the new minimum wage once all processes are concluded, echoing the sentiments of other state governors. However, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, indicated that Osun would await the National Minimum Wage Committee’s conclusion before initiating negotiations with workers.
Meanwhile, Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, provides an on the meticulous process behind the ₦615,000 minimum wage proposal. He emphasised the need to address the escalating cost of living facing Nigerian workers. Ajaero underscored that any figure below this amount would condemn workers and their families to perpetual poverty.
As negotiations continue amidst economic challenges and inflationary pressures, the fate of Nigerian workers hangs in the balance. With the expiration of the previous minimum wage and delays in finalizing a new agreement, stakeholders must expedite the process to ensure fair compensation for workers nationwide