Nigeria Labour Congress pushes further for N709,000 while Trade Union Congress demamed N447,000 as New minimum wage for Nigerian workers

 

Emmanuel Oduara 

The Nigeria Labour Congress pushes further for N709,000  while Trade Union Congress demanded N447,000 as New minimum wage for Nigerian workers. 

At the public hearing on the new minimum wage structures, on Thursday in Abuja organised by THE TRIPARTITE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE (TCNMW).

The public hearing on the new minimum wage which was held simultaneously in all six geopolitical zones Lagos State, Kano State,Adamawa State, Enugu State,Akwa Ibom State and Abuja FCT.

As expected inputs from organised labour, State governors, ministers, civil society groups and organised private sector on a new minimum wage to make it reflect the current economic realities.

According to the NLC FCT chairman, Stephen Knabayi, this amount would help to cushion the effects of the economic realities.

The TUC, represented by Mr. Amaege Chukwdi pushes for N447,000 as New minimum wage stating that this will give the Nigerian workers some minimum comfort to enable them cope with the economic hardship.

In his address the chairman of the Tripartite committee on national New minimum wage, North Central Zone who is also president of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo. as they embark on a crucial phase in reviewing our national minimum wage. As the National Minimum Wage is to be reviewed every five years. Considering that the current one came into effect in April 2019, it is due for a review this year 2024.

 Significance  efforts must be given to this assignment and its multiplier effect on the lives of millions of hardworking citizens and our great country, Nigeria.The 37-Member National Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee, which Mr. President constituted with equal memberships drawn from the government side (Federal and States).

He stated further organised labour and the employers’ association, has been tasked with ensuring that our minimum wage reflects the evolving economic landscape, adequately addresses the wellbeing of our workforce, and of course the ability to pay in a sustainable manner. This is the main objective of holding this public hearing across the six geopolitical zones, where we aim to engage with stakeholders from various sectors to gain insights, perspectives, and recommendations.This inclusive approach underscores our commitment to transparency, fairness, and the democratic ideals that govern our nation. 

He said the committee commitment must  represent public and private sector workers, employers, trade unions, civil society, and the broader public, will be a testament to the richness of our national dialogue. He therefore encourage each participant to express their views openly, share their experiences, and provide constructive suggestions. As their inputs is invaluable in shaping policies that will not only impact the livelihoods of our citizens but also contribute to the overall economic growth and social well-being of our nation.

His committee is keenly interested in receiving well-researched position papers that will aid us in making informed decisions. 

He pointed to the committee to recognise the importance of balancing the interests of both employers and employees to achieve a fair and sustainable minimum wage that promotes social justice and economic stability.

He concluded by expressing his gratitude to the  Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, CFR, a retired Head of Service of the Federation,  the Governors, or their representatives, State Executive Council Members and all stakeholders from this Geo-political Zone who have taken the time to be present as this will  contribute to this process. working together in harmony to ensure that the outcomes of this review reflect our well thought, aspirations and realities for the good of Nigeria and its citizens.