New Minimum Wage for Junior Federal Workers Ready, Senior Cadre Details Next

The National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission (NSIWC) has completed the computation of the new minimum wage for junior federal workers. The corresponding details for senior workers are expected to be finalized within the next two to three weeks.

A source from the Presidency revealed this information to The Nation on Thursday, stating that once completed, both sets of data will be forwarded to the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) for further processing and implementation.

The source added that the NSIWC is awaiting the conclusion of negotiations between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the federal government. The aim is to ensure that workers’ remuneration aligns proportionately with the new minimum wage, under the consequential adjustment framework.

Junior workers are classified as those on grade levels one to five, while senior staff members fall on grade levels six and above, depending on the organization.

The Presidency source explained that these computations are being carefully conducted to ensure a seamless rollout of the new wage structure, which is anticipated to bring significant relief to workers, particularly those in the junior cadre.

Under the recent wage adjustment, the monthly earnings for junior workers will rise from the current ₦30,000 to ₦70,000.

“The details for levels one to five have been computed and will be forwarded to the Accountant General’s office very soon,” the Presidency source said.

The consequential adjustment, a critical component of the new wage structure, stems from the recent agreement between the Federal Government and labor unions. This adjustment will determine the new salary scales for workers above grade level five, ensuring that their remuneration is proportionately aligned with the new minimum wage.

“The deliberations between labor leaders and the government are ongoing,” the source continued. “They are working to agree on the percentage increase that will apply to different categories of workers as part of the consequential adjustment. Once finalized, these adjustments will be forwarded to the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission for computation.”

An official at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) told *The Nation* that they are poised to receive the final wage details from the NSIWC. The official emphasized that these details are crucial for calculating the Federal Government’s total wage bill under the new remuneration structure.

“We are awaiting the details from the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission to determine the total wage bill under the new minimum wage,” the official said. “This will allow us to assess the financial implications and ensure that all federal employees are paid in accordance with the new law.”

Before the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, the Federal Government’s monthly wage bill was estimated at approximately ₦265 billion, covering salaries for the armed forces, civil servants, and all other personnel on the federal payroll. With the new wage adjustments, this figure is expected to rise significantly, highlighting the importance of precise calculations by the OAGF.

The Nation noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been proactive in addressing wage-related concerns, particularly in light of the rising cost of living and economic challenges facing workers.

Following a crucial meeting with NLC and TUC leadership on July 15, President Tinubu approved the increase in the national minimum wage. This decision was later codified through the passage of a new minimum wage bill by the National Assembly, which the President signed. The new legislation also mandates a review of the national minimum wage every three years, ensuring that wage adjustments keep pace with inflation and economic realities.