The organised labour movement is optimistic that a new minimum wage will be announced, passed into law, and implemented by the end of next month. Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Comrade Festus Osifo, expressed this during a meeting with Kogi State Governor's Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Onuh Edoka, and his delegation in Abuja.
Osifo highlighted the need for the National Tripartite Negotiation Committee, which includes government, labour, and organised private sector representatives, to reach an agreement. He emphasized that this agreement should receive prompt attention from President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to become law. He stressed that a new minimum wage is crucial to help workers cope with the country's economic challenges and inflation.
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Labour has proposed a minimum wage of N250,000, while the government and organised private sector have suggested N62,000. Osifo urged all parties to come together to find common ground so the President can forward the bill to the National Assembly. He noted that state governments should prepare to implement the new wage once it is signed into law, citing examples like Nasarawa State, which is already setting aside funds for the new obligations.
Osifo commended the Kogi State government for its efforts in clarifying the payment of the N30,000 minimum wage to workers and called on other states to prioritize the implementation of the new wage amid revenue challenges. He assured that the labour unions are ready to ensure compliance with the new Minimum Wage Act once it is passed.
Onuh Edoka, Special Adviser on Labour Matters to the Kogi State Governor, acknowledged the improvements in workers' welfare under Governor Ahmed Ododo's administration, addressing the shortcomings of the previous administration.
