The Federal Government announced the formation of a 37-member tripartite committee on Sunday to oversee the implementation of the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers. Led by former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Bukar Aji, the committee includes six governors representing various regions: Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State (North Central), Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State (North-East), Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State (North-West), Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State (South-East), Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State (South-West), and Governor Otu Bassey of Cross River State (South-South).
Other notable members of the committee include Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. (Mrs) Yemi Esan.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stated in a letter to Ambali Olatunji of the Nigeria Labour Congress that the committee would be inaugurated on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 12 noon in the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, State House, Abuja.
The letter, dated January 23, 2024, mentioned the importance of members being seated by 11.30 am, with a shuttle bus available at the pilot gate to transport members to the venue from 10.00 am.
The process of establishing a new minimum wage typically involves the formation of a tripartite committee by the Federal Government to facilitate negotiations. The last committee was set up in 2019 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, with Ama Pepple as the head.
Regarding the proposed budget for 2024, President Bola Tinubu’s administration allocated N1tn for minimum wage adjustments and other expenses. Despite adjustments, government officials emphasized the need for the minimum wage to align with the country’s current standard of living.
Following the removal of fuel subsidy by Tinubu on May 29, 2023, there was a significant increase in the cost of living, prompting calls from organized labor for an increase in the minimum wage. As a temporary measure, the government approved a monthly wage award of N35,000 for workers until the new minimum wage takes effect in April, as announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris.
