Workers Hold Their Breath: New Minimum Wage Committee to Rise in January

Nigerian workers, hit hard by rising costs after the fuel subsidy removal, can finally see a glimmer of hope. The federal government has promised to inaugurate a committee by the end of January to review the country’s national minimum wage, currently frozen at N30,000 since 2019.

Labour unions, led by the NLC and TUC, have been pushing for a significant increase, demanding a whopping N200,000 to cope with the inflation spike. President Tinubu, during a recent cabinet meeting, reportedly requested the committee’s composition, indicating urgency on the matter.

Promises Ring True? Government Pledges Commitment:

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, assured unions of the government’s commitment to all prior promises, including the outstanding N35,000 wage award and addressing the new minimum wage. Her visit to the TUC office last week highlighted a conciliatory approach from the administration.

“We are a labour-friendly government,” Onyejeocha emphasized, urging open communication channels with unions.

Eyes on the Committee: The composition and mandate of this committee will be crucial. Who sits at the table – labour representatives, business leaders, economists? Will their deliberations be transparent and inclusive? Can they bridge the N170,000 gap between the current wage and unions’ demand?

Nigerians wait with bated breath. The committee’s work in the coming months could bring much-needed relief to millions grappling with skyrocketing prices or dash their hopes for a fairer living wage. One thing’s for sure: This January holds the key to unlocking a potential new chapter in Nigeria’s labour landscape.

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