The President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo, has urged state governments to brace themselves for the implementation of a new minimum wage, expected to be concluded by July 2024. Osifo emphasized the urgency of this matter during a meeting with the Special Adviser on Labour Matters to the Kogi State Governor, Onuh Edoka, and his delegation in Abuja.
Osifo stated, “What we are working on from both labour centres is that before the end of July, we should have a new minimum wage that must have passed through the processes, that must have been assented to by the President so that the plight of the workers will improve much more.”
He highlighted that organized labour anticipates the President’s prompt assent to the new wage bill once passed by the National Assembly, which is critical to alleviating the harsh living conditions faced by Nigerians. Osifo underscored the importance of the national tripartite negotiation committee, comprising government, labour, and organized private sector representatives, finding a common ground to ensure the bill’s swift passage.
The labour movement has proposed a new minimum wage of ₦250,000, while the government and organized private sector have suggested ₦62,000. Osifo urged all parties to come together to resolve their differences and establish a common front for the President to send the bill to the National Assembly.
Commending the Kogi State government for clearing the backlog of the ₦30,000 minimum wage, Osifo advised state governments to begin preparing for the implementation of the new wage once it becomes law. He cited Nasarawa State’s proactive approach in setting aside funds for this purpose as a positive example.
He stressed, “State governments should begin fashion out ways they can easily implement the new wage once it is signed into law. We are not at this moment even dwelling on the ₦30,000 again.”
Osifo assured that labour unions are ready to ensure the new minimum wage is implemented across all states, emphasizing that workers deserve relief amid the current economic challenges.
The Special Adviser on Labour Matters to the Kogi State Governor, Onuh Edoka, praised Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration for correcting past shortcomings regarding workers’ welfare. Edoka highlighted the administration’s labour-friendly interventions and sought the TUC’s support to improve Kogi State’s image, which was tarnished by the previous administration.
Edoka stated, “We are coming from where we were carrying placards before saying we no go gree on issues of labour but today this government has drawn us closer to see how we can add value to his government and see how we can speak for those workers we were fighting for before.”
He affirmed that Kogi State is now paying the ₦30,000 minimum wage and expressed hope that the state’s positive strides under the current administration would continue.
Edoka concluded by noting that the current administration’s efforts have significantly improved the state’s image, with workers now supporting the government due to its positive approach to labour issues.
