After a period of dormancy, the tripartite committee established by the Nigerian government is set to convene today, Wednesday, in Abuja for discussions. This coincides with the organized labor’s unwavering stance on their proposal of a ₦615,000 minimum wage, with insistence on a deadline of May 31st. The development follows the Nigerian government’s failure to present a nationally acceptable minimum wage to the public after the expiration of the previous minimum wage on April 18, 2024. President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, inaugurated the 37-member tripartite committee on January 30, 2024, tasked with formulating a new minimum wage.
Comprising representatives from federal and state governments, the private sector, and organized labor, the committee is mandated to recommend a new national minimum wage. During the committee’s inauguration, Shettima urged members to expedite their deliberations and submit reports promptly, stressing the importance of timely resolution for the emergence of a new minimum wage. He emphasized the need for collective bargaining in good faith, adherence to contracts, and consultations beyond the committee.
Chaired by former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Goni Aji, the committee conducted a zonal public hearing on March 7, 2024, across various locations including Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, and Abuja. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) proposed different figures for a living wage, citing economic challenges and high living costs.
Since the zonal hearing, there has been little information about the committee’s activities. However, sources speaking anonymously to PUNCH confirmed the resumption of negotiations, stating that the committee will meet on Wednesday. Emphasizing the deadline of May 31st, labor representatives expressed expectations for a speedy conclusion to the process and urged the Federal Government to make a realistic offer that considers workers’ welfare and national interests.
Highlighting the potential positive impact of a reasonable minimum wage on workers’ purchasing power and the economy, the sources underscored the importance of fair compensation for Nigerian workers. National Vice-President of the TUC, Tommy Etim, reiterated the unions’ commitment to the ₦615,000 proposal and the May 31st deadline.