Governors have cautioned workers against having overly high expectations from the minimum wage negotiations. They stated that states will only implement sustainable wages but expressed commitment to improving salaries for workers......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
Members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) said they would ensure workers in their states earn more than they currently do. The Federal Government on January 30 inaugurated a 37-man Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage.
It was tasked with recommending a realistic national minimum wage that aligns with the current economic realities, but an agreement is yet to be reached.
The governors are represented by one each from the six geo-political zones on the committee, which also has Federal Government officials, the labour movement and the Organised Private Sector (OPS).
“As members of the committee, we are reviewing our individual fiscal space as state governments and the consequential impact of various recommendations to arrive at an improved minimum wage we can pay sustainably,” the governors said.
Their position is contained in a communique issued on Wednesday after a virtual meeting – the same day workers marked May Day across the country.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is demanding a N615,000 national minimum wage per month.
It said the figure was a product of a painstaking effort through which it captured the cost of living of Nigerian workers and masses in all parts of the country.
The current N30,000 minimum wage expired on April 18.
Minister of Labour and Employment (State) Nkeiruka Onyejeoacha told workers that the new minimum wage when approved will take effect from April 1.
Vice President Kashim Shettima also told workers at the May Day rally that the Federal Government is committed to a living wage for workers.
He hinted that the tripartite committee had not agreed.
But Labour threatened a showdown should the minimum wage issue not be resolved by May 31.
While the talks continue, some governors have announced new wages for their workers.
Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki announced N70,000; his Cross River counterpart Bassey Otu promised N40,000