KEY POINTS
- The Federal Government will review the minimum wage in under two years.
- Onyejeocha highlights the link between peace and workplace productivity.
- Traditional rulers are urged to collaborate with the Federal Government.
Nigerian workers can be assured that the current minimum wage will be reviewed in less than two years the Federal Government has told them.
Speaking also in Umuahia, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, hinted this during a press conference Thursday.
Reiterating his promise to review the minimum wage every three years, President Bola Tinubu promised to take care of labor welfare when he addressed labor leaders of Abia. “They intend the review will take less than five years.” She said we will ensure the new minimum wage is in place in less than two years.
President Tinubu’s priority for worker’s welfare
President Tinubu’s administration has given precedence to worker welfare by making capacity for reviewing minimum wage consistent.
This new policy shift, Onyejeocha said, was in response to a government in deep concern about stability and productivity of the workplace. In addition, she emphasized enabling peace and collaboration between labor unions and government.
Onyejeocha, at the time she made the call, urged labor leaders to work with the government to ensure a peace and productive year. “I said when there’s stability, we can do more for Nigerian workers”.
Traditional rulers’ collaboration
The roundtable discussion with the state’s traditional rulers was Abia’s part of Onyejeocha’s visit. On the platform, she explained key federal policies and stressed for unity between the government and the local leaders.
The Abia Nigeria Labour Congress Chairman, Ogbomna Okoro however praised Onyejeocha’s efforts, saying her tenure was impactful and promising collaboration.
In July, Tinubu’s administration had agreed to a N70,000 minimum wage and vowed to revisit the figure every three years. The promise of a review in less than two years is yet another show of promise, not only to respond to workers’ concerns, promote peace in the country but to amp up production.
