Minimum wage template out soon, says minister
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeruka Onyejeocha
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeruka Onyejeocha, has assured that the template for the new national minimum wage will be released once it is finalized.
Onyejeocha explained that a tripartite committee, consisting of representatives from organized labour, the private sector, and the government, is scheduled to meet with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to finalise the adjustments related to the new wage.
She made this announcement on Friday during a town hall meeting organized by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja.
The minister, who said that the federal government should not take responsibility for the delay in payment of the new minimum wage as a result of the failure of labour to finalise the consequential adjustment, however, said there was hope as separate meetings were ongoing by the government and the tripartite committee.
She said: “As we speak there’s a meeting on the government side this morning on the new minimum wage and consequential adjustment and by 2 pm, the tripartite are meeting with the Head of Service. Once they get what we are supposed to pay they will start paying.
“We will not take responsibility for why the figures have to delay because, on the day we pass it, they are supposed to have gone ahead to constitute the committee and then have a figure because it doesn’t take rocket science to have figures of what we should give. So I believe that that one is something that will happen as soon as possible.”
The minister emphasized that the ministry’s responsibility is to ensure decent work in all sectors of the economy and maintain industrial peace and harmony in workplaces across the nation.
This is essential for national growth and development to achieve the goals outlined in the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She said: “I therefore make no excuses as this Government of APC is determined and committed to tackling headlong all socio-economic ills that have troubled our nation and we shall by the grace of God Almighty evolve solutions to emerging threats to our well-being as a nation.
Recognising this, the federal government has sought and continues to seek to collaborate with policymakers, in this case, both employers and workers representatives who make development possible by generating and sustaining the momentum so that we together can attain enviable heights of progress in our beloved country.”
The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, noted that the decision to remove the fuel subsidy was necessary for the nation’s growth and development.
Cardoso, who was represented by the Head Pensions, CBN, Omolola Adegbenga urged Nigerians to show more understanding with the current administration, bearing in mind that things would get better soon.
He said the Bank’s activities are solely focused on fostering economic development and advancement.
He said: “These decisions are important for the progress of our country. The decision by President Tinubu has had severe effects and challenges but at the end of every storm there shall be calm and I believe there will be calm for Nigerians. It’s not a coincidence that the theme of Mr President’s administration is Renewed Hope.
“CBN is committed to supporting President Tinubu in achieving the 8-point agenda.
“Every activity of CBN is committed to Nigeria’s growth. While we may be facing challenges, I believe with every organ contributing its quota, we shall be able to achieve those goals.” (Nation)
==============