Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ibrahim Ramalan
Published on 2024-03-07 15:58:44
The Nigeria Labour Congress, FCT chapter, has proposed a new minimum wage of N709,000 for Nigerian workers. This proposal was made by the NLC FCT Chairman, Dr. Stephen Knabayi, during the North Central Zonal Public Hearing organized by the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage in Abuja.
On January 30, President Bola Tinubu, through Vice-President Kashim Shettima, inaugurated a 37-member panel on the new minimum wage in Abuja. The committee scheduled March 7 for public hearings in all six geo-political zones in the country. During the North Central zone hearing, 15 organizations presented their submissions to the council.
Dr. Knabayi emphasized that the proposed figure of N709,000 per month takes into account the current economic conditions in the country and aims to alleviate economic challenges faced by Nigerians. The NLC believes that this wage will help improve the welfare of Nigerian workers.
In contrast, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) FCT chapter proposed N447,000 as the new minimum wage. Amaege Chukwudi, representing the TUC chapter, highlighted the importance of providing Nigerian workers with a comfortable wage to cope with economic hardship.
Mr. Chukwudi also called for policy reforms to ensure an adequate food supply in the country. He appealed to the Federal Government to provide transportation for workers, fix refineries, and ensure stable electricity supply.
Prof. Mohammad Mohammed from the Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria suggested a minimum wage of N440,333.33 for workers and emphasized the need for a consequential adjustment to be included. The Forum of Retired Directors of Federal Civil Service proposed a minimum wage of N70,000 and called for a review of pension allowances as stipulated by Nigerian law.
The Federal Civil Service of Pensioners of Nigeria demanded that 85% of the approved minimum wage be allocated to them to address their health challenges and welfare needs. The National Chairman of the Association, Sunday Omezi, expressed disappointment at the exclusion of pensioners from the tripartite committee.
Chairman Festus Osifo of the Zonal Committee assured that once the new minimum wage is approved and signed into law, strong sanctions and punitive measures would be put in place to ensure effective implementation across the states.
The public hearing was attended by government representatives and stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. The aim is to ensure that the new minimum wage benefits Nigerian workers and improves their living conditions.
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