The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared that the new national minimum wage will come into effect from May 1, 2024, despite ongoing negotiations by the Tripartite Committee On National Minimum Wage.
Minister of State Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made this announcement during the May Day celebration in Abuja on Wednesday.
Minister Onyejeocha addressed Nigerian workers, expressing regret over the delay in finalizing the new minimum wage but assured that workers would not suffer any losses.
She emphasized that extensive consultations are underway to expedite the process of drafting the new wage document.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have been advocating for an upward review of the minimum wage.
They proposed a new minimum wage of N615,000, citing the economic challenges and high cost of living faced by Nigerian workers.
The current minimum wage of N30,000, instituted by the Minimum Wage Act of 2019, has been deemed inadequate to meet workers’ needs.
President Bola Tinubu commended the contributions of Nigerian workers to the nation’s development during the Workers’ Day event in Abuja. He assured that the government is receptive to the recommendations of the wage committee and reiterated the administration’s commitment to Nigeria’s progress through its reform agenda.
Despite the expiration of the previous minimum wage award in April, some states have reportedly not fully implemented it. The Minimum Wage Act stipulates a review every five years to align with economic realities.
