May Day: We’ll Backdate New Minimum Wage To Take Effect April 1st – Labour Minister
By:People’s Voice Nigeria | News
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has assured Nigerian workers that the new minimum wage whenever implemented, would be backdated to take effect from April 1st, 2024.
Thousands of workers who trooped to the Eagle Square on Wednesday to celebrate the annual event, were disappointed, as they had hoped to hear a tangible pronouncement from the Federal Government on a new minimum wage.
Speaking at the event, the minister assured the workers of the President Bola Tinubu’s led administration’s unwavering commitment in ensuring that workers’ take home pay transits from minimum wage to a living wage.
She said: “Nigerian workers should be rest assure that despite the short delay, the new minimum wage will take effect on May 1st, 2024.
“Moreover, this government is receptive to the committee’s suggestion of transitioning beyond a mere minimum wage to a living wage that truly reflects the value of workers’ contributions.
“Although the committee could not reach a consensus at its last meeting before the May deadline, we want to reassure Nigerian workers that we are working diligently around the clock with organized labour to conclude negotiations and ensure a successful outcome. Our commitment is unwavering.
“You will recall that on January 30, 2024, the Federal Government took a decisive step towards enhancing the welfare of Nigerian workers by inaugurating a 37-man Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage.
“This committee was tasked with the critical responsibility of recommending a realistic national minimum wage that aligns with our current economic landscape.
“Since then, the committee has been working tirelessly alongside Labour leaders to reach an agreement on a new National Minimum Wage that reflects the country’s economic realities.”
Speaking further, the labour minister added, “I urge all stakeholders to embrace a spirit of cooperation, understanding, and patriotism, coupled with diligence and increased productivity.
“By working together, we can lift our nation out of poverty and usher in an era of prosperity for workers and citizens alike. Rest assured that this government empathizes with the struggles of workers and citizens and will not falter in its commitment to their well-being.
“I urge organized labour to foster a conducive environment that promotes constructive engagement and collaborative problem-solving for the benefit of all stakeholders and the nation as a whole.”
