Senate Pushes for National Minimum Wage Inclusion and Documentation of Domestic Workers
The Nigerian Senate has advocated for the inclusion of domestic servants in the proposed N70,000 National Minimum Wage Scheme. This demand, justified by the need for compulsory documentation and monitoring through a proposed federal agency, was widely supported during a public hearing on Monday.
The National Council for Women Society (NCWS) and other stakeholders voiced their support for the inclusion during the hearing on a bill aimed at the domestication and registration of domestic workers and employers. The bill, sponsored by Senator Babangida Hussaini (APC Jigawa North West), was organized by the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour, and Productivity, chaired by Senator Diket Plang (APC Plateau Central).
Senator Osita Izunaso (APC Imo West) emphasized the importance of including domestic workers in the minimum wage scheme, arguing that if public workers are to receive a minimum wage of N70,000, domestic workers should be entitled to the same. This sentiment was echoed by the Acting National President of NCWS, Mrs. Geraldeen Etuk, and other stakeholders.
Despite the broad support for the bill, Senator Hussaini expressed concerns about the practical implementation of the additional scope of inclusion of domestic workers into the national minimum wage. Senator Plang mentioned that an agency would be established for the implementation of the proposed law, with initial operations driven by the Ministry of Labour and Productivity.
The widespread support for the bill highlights a significant step towards recognizing and improving the welfare of domestic workers in Nigeria.
