Tinubu Seeks Governors’, Private Sector’s Input on New Minimum Wage

President Bola Tinubu announced on Tuesday that he will consult with the 36 state governors and members of the organized private sector before determining the new national minimum wage to be submitted to the National Assembly as an Executive Bill.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this during a briefing with State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which was presided over by President Tinubu at the Council Chamber in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Idris mentioned that a memo regarding the new minimum wage report was presented to the council but was deferred, highlighting the necessity for national consensus involving governors and the private sector.

“After broader consultations with relevant stakeholders, the President will forward a well-informed figure as the national minimum wage,” Idris stated.

Previously, at the end of the Tripartite Committee meeting on the new national minimum wage, the government and the organized private sector proposed ₦62,000, up from the current ₦30,000. However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) demanded a ₦250,000 living wage.

NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero expressed that the labor expected the President to engage with the Tripartite Committee members to reconcile the figures, noting a stalemate at the meeting’s conclusion.

Reiterating the necessity for extensive consultation, Idris emphasized, “The new national minimum wage is not solely a federal government issue; it involves state and local governments, the organized private sector, and organized labor. Therefore, the memo was stepped down to allow further consultation, especially with state governors and the private sector, before presenting an executive bill to the National Assembly.”

Idris added, “Mr. President is committed to a thorough consultation process to ensure an informed and representative national minimum wage proposal.”