On July 23, the House of Representatives approved a bill to increase the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000. This legislation, introduced by President Bola Tinubu, aims to legally support the newly agreed wage after extensive negotiations between organized labor, the private sector, and the government. Additionally, the bill shortens the interval for reviewing the minimum wage from five years to three years.
President Tinubu urged lawmakers to expedite the bill's passage to ensure swift implementation for Nigerian workers' benefit. During the plenary session, the House rapidly moved through the second reading, report consideration, and final passage of the bill to facilitate the immediate enforcement of the new minimum wage.
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Tinubu Presents N70,000 Minimum Wage Bill to House of Representatives
The newly passed bill replaces the National Minimum Wage Act of 2019, which had set the previous minimum wage at N30,000 with a five-year review period. The House's approval marks a significant change in wage policy, aligning with President Tinubu's promises to labor leaders.
In addition to the minimum wage bill, the House also passed an amendment to the Police Act. The amendment introduces a new subsection, stating that the Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office for the term specified in their appointment letter, ensuring alignment with Section 7(6) of the Act.