Senate Vows Swift Action On New Minimum Wage Bill To Boost Worker Well-being

Sen. Diket Plang, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour, and Productivity, has announced that the upper chamber is committed to expeditiously considering the anticipated new minimum wage bill.

In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, Plang emphasized that once passed, the bill will further enhance the well-being of workers and foster industrial harmony in the country. He also pledged the 10th National Assembly’s dedication to improving living conditions for workers and addressing the issue of poverty.

Plang commended both the Federal Government and organized labor for their collaborative efforts in initiating the necessary procedures to review the existing minimum wage, as outlined in the memorandum of understanding signed during negotiations.

He expressed the readiness of the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour, and Productivity, under his leadership, to promptly address the passage of a new Act as soon as negotiations are concluded and the bill is transmitted to the National Assembly for enactment.

Furthermore, Plang praised the Federal Government’s proactive measures in averting a nationwide workers’ strike and cautioned all involved parties to uphold their commitments as outlined in the agreements.

He stressed the committee’s dedication to upholding the principles of the International Labour Organisation, particularly the pursuit of decent work. Plang confirmed the committee’s intention to take legislative actions that support the enhancement of working conditions for Nigerians, including the implementation of a living wage in line with the decent work agenda.