Labour kicks as FG shifts minimum wage implementation date
Story by Jane AISO
Labour leaders have reacted strongly to the Federal Government’s decision to shift the effective date for the new minimum wage to July 29, 2024. This move has faced widespread condemnation from key representatives of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Benson Upah, Head of Information for the NLC, described the government’s backdating of the wage implementation as “unacceptable,” arguing that it is inherently unfair to workers who were expecting a prompt adjustment.
Timmy Etim, the National Vice President of TUC, criticized the government for reneging on its promise made by the Minister of State for Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, during the May Day celebrations. At that event, she had assured workers that the new minimum wage would be effective from May 1st. Etim expressed surprise at the sudden change and questioned the criteria behind this decision, asserting that the government must adhere to its commitments in light of the ongoing socio-economic challenges faced by workers.
Civil servants have expressed discontent over the delays in implementing the proposed N70,000 minimum wage. One public school teacher from Ogun State, identified as Ms. Oladele, lamented the increasing economic hardships, stating, “It’s the height of wickedness for the government to refuse meaningful action since last year when it removed the petrol subsidy.”
Another worker, simply named Adesola, criticized the government for its indifference to the struggles of Nigerians, saying, “It is just sad that the government has continued to delay the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, which is considered too meagre given the inflation-ridden economy.”
A civil servant from the Ministry of Water Resources in Osun State shared concerns about the delayed wage implementation, asserting it shortchanges workers and exacerbates poverty. He stated, “The Federal Government caused this problem by continually raising fuel prices without taking serious action on implementing the new minimum wage.”
READ ALSO : Petrol price has rendered N70, 000 minimum wage useless — NLC
A staff member from the National Identity Management Commission in Port Harcourt commented on the high cost of living, noting that salaries have become insufficient due to soaring fuel prices. He mentioned, “Life is no longer what it used to be, and I have had to rely on public transport as the cost of commuting has skyrocketed.”
The Committee on Consequential Adjustments convened recently to address the new minimum wage framework, ultimately recommending the new effective date of July 29, 2024. Their memorandum outlined the need to continue wage awards until the new date.
Led by Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the committee took into account the economic landscape when formulating its recommendations. The memorandum also stressed the importance of monitoring the implementation to align with the provisions of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, 2024, while suggesting measures to alleviate the financial burden on federal workers stemming from rising living costs.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime.
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