BREAKING: Tinubu Surprises NLC, TUC, Makes Fresh Decision On New Minimum Wage; SEE What He Announced That’s SHOCKING
Amidst ongoing discussions about a new national minimum wage in Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has decided to temporarily halt progress on the matter. The President has chosen to seek additional consultations before presenting an Executive Bill to the National Assembly. This decision was made during a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) where he received the Tripartite Committee’ s report on the minimum wage from George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
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The report, delivered to Akume by Bukar Goni Aji, Chairman of the Tripartite Committee, proposed a new minimum wage of N62, 000. This recommendation was based on the submissions from the federal and state governments as well as the Organized Private Sector (OPS). However, labor representatives, at the close of consultations, recommended a significantly higher minimum wage of N250, 000.
Governors have expressed concerns about their ability to meet the proposed N62, 000 minimum wage. They argue that without an adjustment in the revenue allocation formula, it would be financially unfeasible for them to implement such an increase. Similarly, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has stated that local governments will struggle to pay the new wage unless they receive a larger share of national revenue.
The President’ s decision to delay sending the bill to the National Assembly was confirmed by the Minister for Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. He emphasized the need for broader consultations involving state governments, local governments, the organized private sector, and labor unions. Idris stated, ” The Federal Executive Council deliberated on the new national minimum wage, which is not just a matter for the Federal Government but also involves state and local governments, the organized private sector, and labor. The memo was stepped down to allow the President to consult further with key stakeholders before presenting an executive bill to the National Assembly. ”
As the discussions continue, Joe Ajaero, a representative of the labor unions, indicated that there was a stalemate during the final meeting of the Tripartite Committee. This impasse reflects the complex and divergent views on the appropriate level for the new minimum wage, balancing the needs of workers with the financial realities of employers and government entities.
In addition to deliberations on the minimum wage, the FEC made significant decisions regarding the procurement of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and the acquisition of arms, ammunition, and body scanners for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). These measures are part of broader efforts to enhance public transportation and strengthen law enforcement capabilities in the country.
Meanwhile, in Kaduna State, the Synod of the Charismatic Bishop Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for a peaceful resolution to the minimum wage discussions. Led by Archbishop Leonard Kawas, the bishops urged the Federal Government and labor unions to reach an amicable consensus. In their statement, they emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and cautioned against strike actions that could exacerbate inflation and economic hardship. The bishops expressed hope that with fervent prayers and constructive negotiations, Nigeria would overcome its current socio- economic challenges.
The statement from the CBCN reads in part: ” The Synod pleads with the Federal Government to engage in meaningful dialogue with labor and to consider the current economic conditions. We also urge the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to avoid shutting down the country through strikes, which could lead to more inflation and hardship. We pray for a resolution between labor and the Federal Government and caution that any attempt to shut down the nation will result in significant losses. ”
In conclusion, the ongoing discussions about the new national minimum wage reflect the broader socio- economic challenges facing Nigeria. President Tinubu’ s decision to consult further highlights the complexity of balancing the demands of various stakeholders. The calls for dialogue and peaceful resolution from influential figures like Archbishop Kawas underscore the importance of collaboration and understanding in addressing the nation’ s economic issues. As the government and labor unions continue to negotiate, the hope is for a solution that considers the welfare of workers while ensuring the financial sustainability of employers and government entities.
