The Federal Government has disclosed its plans for workers to obtain a new minimum wage on or before May 2024.
Investors King recalls that in 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari signed the minimum wage act approving N30,000 for both federal and state workers in Nigeria. The Nigeria Labour Congress has, however, been agitating for an increase due to the nation’s economic situation.
While assuring workers of the current arrangement, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige warned them against interfering in government affairs and imposing their will, especially on appointment of public officials.
He stated this while addressing participants at the Nigeria Labour Congress’ 13th National Delegates’ Conference held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ngige urged all the newly elected trade union officials to enrol for necessary courses at the Michael Imuodu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) as stated in the Trade Union Act.
The minister noted that the training at the institute will equip them with the knowledge needed to build cordial and productive industrial relations with government authorities.
His words, “The good story that filters out from it is that we put out an Act, a legislation that had in place an inbuilt review five years mechanism, unlike the formal Act. So, mandatorily, Nigeria will produce a new minimum wage on or before May 2024.
“It is acknowledged, both nationally and internationally, that the government would not interfere in trade union matters and likewise, trade unions are not to interfere in labour administration unless as provided by the laws and principles of tripartism.”
Ngige advised the labour union to ensure that the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) 2010 is implemented by all State Governments as this will guarantee the welfare of workers in cases of incidents and deaths.
He added that the PENCOM Act 2014 mandated it for all employers to give Insurance Cover for their employees.
“The NLC should remedy this situation as the welfare of workers is one of the cardinal functions of Trade Unions including the Confederations,” the minister urged.