MINIMUM WAGE REVIEW: FG URGES C'TTEE TO BE GUIDED BY SOCIAL JUSTICE, TIMELY COMPLETION OF TASK

The President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stated this yesterday, while inaugurating the tripartite committee at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.

Tinubu told the committee members that, “Our objective should be to surpass the basic Social Protection Floor for all Nigerian workers, considering the sustainable payment capacity of each tier of government and other employers or businesses.

“I express this viewpoint because the minimum wage represents the least amount of compensation an employee should receive for their labor and as such, it should be rooted in social justice and equity. I hope that the results of your deliberations will be consensual and acceptable to all parties involved."

In his address before the inauguration of the committee, Tinubu urged members to, “speedily” arrive at a resolution and submit their reports early as the current N30,000 minimum wage would expire at the end of March 2024.

He urged them to take attendance to meeting seriously, adding that the minimum wage must be based on equity and social justice.

He also encouraged them to consult outside the committee and come up with a fair, practical, implementable and sustainable minimum wage.

The President in his address titled: "Social Justice and Equity: Tripartite Agenda for Minimum Wage," said the gathering was a reaffirmation of the promise to improve the welfare of Nigerian workers and by extension, the entire nation.

He said, "The labour force stands as the cornerstone of the progress of every nation, and ours has been the enduring engine of our pursuit of development."

On the importance of the gathering, he added, "Our sense of duty today thrives on both our sensitivity to the conditions of the Nigerian worker and the impending expiration of the last Minimum Wage Instrument in a few months.

"It is in recognition of the need to ensure a fair and decent living wage, and in compliance with the Act, that the federal government has set in motion necessary mechanisms to assemble this tripartite Committee to chart a future that aligns with our collective interests.

"While the decisions we have taken to save the economy are inevitable, we are not unaware of the short-term consequences. We believe that government is a continuum, and, as such, we have intervened in the systemic delays that undermined our economic growth.

"Since the removal of the subsidy, various committees have been established to examine and make recommendations to the government on measures to cushion the envisaged painful effects of the increase on workers and the Nigerian populace at large.

“I am pleased to share that action has since commenced on the implementation of the outcome of those agreements and initiatives."

Furthermore, Tinubu also said, "We have identified the need for the review of the National Minimum Wage and to consider a minimum wage level that can alleviate the nation.

"It gladdens my heart that the recommendation is being acted upon today, and we can all acknowledge that this is in line with our democratic process and adherence to the rule of law.

“I express my gratitude to all those who contributed to that endeavour.

"The issue of a National Minimum Wage for the Federation falls within the Exclusive Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“Therefore, our objective should be to surpass the basic Social Protection Floor for all Nigerian workers, considering the sustainable payment capacity of each tier of government and other employers or businesses.

"I express this viewpoint because the minimum wage represents the least amount of compensation an employee should receive for their labor, and as such, it should be rooted in social justice and equity. I hope that the results of your deliberations will be consensual and acceptable to all parties involved.

"The government's decision, following the consideration of your final recommendation, will be presented as an Executive Bill to the National Assembly. This bill, enriched by the contributions of state governments and private sector employers, will undergo thorough legislative scrutiny before being passed into law.

"I am hopeful that the Committee will employ the principles of full consultation with Social Partners and their direct participation, considering the core provisions of the International Labour Organization Minimum Wage Fixing Convention No. 131 and Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery Convention No. 26, both of which have been ratified by Nigeria."

He also advised that the conditions of genuine Social Dialogue should prevail in the spirit of Tripartism and Collective Bargaining Agreements, encouraging them, "to engage in collective bargaining in good faith, recognise each other, and maintain a spirit of give and take.

"Additionally, please continue your consultations outside the Committee as you work towards recommending a new National Minimum Wage.

"The Committee is anticipated to conclude its deliberations promptly and submit its report and recommendations. This timely submission is crucial to initiate the necessary processes for implementing a new National Minimum Wage."

The President reaffirmed his administration's promise to improve the welfare of Nigerian workers and, by extension, the entire nation, saying, “the labour force stands as the cornerstone of the progress of every nation, and ours has been the enduring engine of our pursuit of development.”

Underscoring the significance of the assignment as reflected in the composition of the tripartite committee, Tinubu urged committee members to take their new task with all seriousness, even as he directed the committee to employ the principles of full consultation with social partners in all of its deliberations.

Accordingly, he directed that state Governors, Ministers and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation who are members must personally attend the committee meetings, and in the event they are unavoidably absent, their deputies, commissioners and Permanent Secretaries should represent them.

His words: “Recognising the significance of this initiative and to