*FG to backdate minimum wage payment to July 29, 2024*
The Federal Government has agreed to backdate the payment of the new minimum wage to 29th July 2024, following the recommendations of the Committee on Consequential Adjustments in Salaries for civil servants.
In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) issued at the end of the committee’s meeting, which was made available to our correspondent in Abuja on Friday, the committee stated that the wage award, which was initially discontinued, would now be paid up to 28th July 2024.
The committee, headed by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, emphasized that the economic situation in the country played a crucial role in the government’s decision-making process.
“The committee held four meetings and considered all presentations from the Federal Government and Trade Union sides. It also took into account the economic situation and the ability of the Federal Government to pay and sustain any consequential adjustment in salaries arising from the implementation of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, 2024, as well as the effects on other employers,” the MoU read.
The agreement further stipulated that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) would generate appropriate salary templates for other consolidated salary structures for implementation.
The MoU recommended that the wage award issued via NS/WC Circular SWC.04/T/33 dated 19th October 2023 should continue to be paid until 27th July 2024.
Speaking on the government’s commitment to easing the economic burden on civil servants, the MoU noted, “The Federal Government should take appropriate measures to alleviate the plight of Federal workers as a result of the recent increase in the pump price of petrol, including consideration of tax waivers and other incentives.”
The committee also encouraged the NSIWC, in collaboration with other stakeholders, to monitor the implementation of the salary adjustments in line with the new National Minimum Wage Act.
This new minimum wage increase, which raises the national baseline from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, is expected to positively impact public sector workers across the country.
The 16-member committee was tasked with negotiating and agreeing on salary adjustments and creating a template for the implementation of the approved minimum wage.
