By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government is set to inaugurate a 37-man tripartite committee on national minimum wage for the country on Tuesday.
The planned inauguration of the team follows the approval of President Bola Tinubu, according to a statement on Sunday by Mr Segun Imohiosen for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr George Akume.
The inauguration is scheduled to be held by noon at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, State House, Abuja.
The committee under the chairmanship of the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Bukar Aji, cuts across the federal government, state government, private sector and organised labour.
From the federal government, the members include Mr Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State, Labour and Employment (Representing the Minister of Labour and Employment); Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Mr Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget Economic Planning; Mrs Yemi Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Mr Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, GSO. OSGF and Mr Ekpo Nta, Esq, Chairman/CEO, NSIWC – Member/Secretary.
Also from the state government, Mr Mohammed Umar Bago, Governor, Niger State- representative from North Central; Mr Bala Mohammed, Governor Bauchi State- representative from North East; Mr Umar Dikko Radda, Governor Katsina State- representative from North West; Mr Charles Soludo, Governor, Anambra State- representative from the South East; Mr Ademola Adeleke, Governor, Osun State- representative from South West; Mr Otu Bassey Edet, Governor, Cross River State- representative from South West.
From the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA)- Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General, NECA; Mr Chuma Nwankwo; Mr Thompson Akpabio with also members from the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) include Mr Michael Olawale-Cole, National President; Hon. Mr Ahmed Rabiu, National Vice President and Me Humphrey Ngonadi (NPOM), National Life President.
The members from the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) are Mr Abdulrashid Yerima, President & Chairman of the Council; Mr Theophilus Nnorom Okwuchukwu, Private Sector representative; Mr Muhammed Nura Bello, Zonal Vice President, North West and also from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) are Mrs Grace Omo-Lamai, Human Resource Director, Nigerian Breweries; Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, Director-General, MAN; Mr Ada Chukwudozie, Managing Director, Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited.
From the organised labour, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Mr Joe Ajaero, President, NLC; Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja; Mr Adeyanju Adewale; Mr Ambali Akeem Olatunji; Mr Benjamin Anthony and Mr Theophilius Ndukuba.
Also, members from the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) include Mr Festus Osifo, President, TUC; Mr Tommy Etim Okon, PhD, Deputy President I, TUC; Mr Kayode Surajudeen Alakija, Deputy President II; Mr Jimoh Oyibo, Deputy President. III; Mr Nuhu A. Toro, Secretary-General and Mrs Hafusatu Shuaib, Chairperson Women Committee.
Accordingly, members are advised to be early to process their clearance at the Security Gate and should be seated at the Council Chamber by 11.30 am. In addition, a shuttle bus will be available at the Pilot Gate to convey members to the venue.
In addition, members of the Committee are to contact the Head of the Secretariat, Mr Chiadi Adighiogu, Director (Compensation) in the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for information.
Nigeria’s minimum wage was last reviewed in 2019 and clamour has increased for a need to do this, especially following the removal of the fuel subsidy last year.
In June 2023, for instance, workers and some labour leaders demanded that the minimum wage be increased from N30,000 to N250,000, adding that the current situation would increase the demand for a salary review. The amount was later adjusted to N200,000 monthly.
After fuel subsidies were removed, the President initially promised to pay a N25,000 wage award to workers to cushion its effect.
However, labour was not comfortable with the amount and it was later agreed at N35,000 for six months which would be from September 2023 to February 2024.
Now, as the date towards the expiration of the short-term wage award, the need to deliberate on a new minimum wage for workers is near.
