In a decisive move, the National Assembly swiftly approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's proposed minimum wage bill, which mandates a new N70,000 minimum wage and a three-year review period. The bill was introduced in both the Senate and House of Representatives, passing through all three readings with unanimous support via voice votes.
President Tinubu had formally submitted the bill through a letter, urging lawmakers to expedite its passage. The legislation provides legal backing for the N70,000 minimum wage agreed upon by the government, organized labor, and the private sector. It also reduces the review period for minimum wage adjustments from five to three years, fulfilling a promise made by the President in discussions with labor leaders.
Key figures in the legislative process, including Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere, pushed for the bill's swift passage by moving to suspend standard rules for immediate consideration. This motion was supported by both chambers, with Senate Minority Whip Hon. Ali Isa JC and Senate Majority Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno, among others, endorsing the bill.
The bill's passage was marked by unanimous agreement, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen leading the voice votes. The legislation now awaits President Tinubu's assent to become law, signaling a significant step forward in improving workers' welfare in Nigeria.
