Minimum Wage: Labour Announces Plans To Engage Governors

Minimum Wage: Labour Announces Plans To Engage Governors

Organized labour has unveiled a plan to engage with state governors to expedite the implementation of the new minimum wage. This announcement follows the recent passage of the minimum wage bill by the Senate and House of Representatives, which President Bola Tinubu transmitted to the National Assembly on Tuesday, July 23, after reaching an agreement with labour unions.

The Senate approved the 2024 National Minimum Wage Amendment Act Bill, setting the minimum wage at ₦70,000 per month. The new legislation replaces the 2019 Minimum Wage Act, which established a minimum wage of ₦30,000, and shortens the review period for minimum wage adjustments from five years to three.

Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele confirmed that the ₦70,000 minimum wage was a result of negotiations among all parties during the plenary session on July 23.

Labour Unions Call for Immediate Action

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has urged state governors to avoid delaying the implementation of the new minimum wage. TUC National Vice President Tommy Etim emphasized the need for immediate action given the current economic conditions, and called on President Tinubu to sign the bill into law promptly.

Similarly, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on governors to enforce the new minimum wage without delay, stressing the need to implement the new law fully given that the 2019 law expired in April 2024.

The House of Representatives passed the new minimum wage bill on July 23, following President Tinubu’s request, marking an increase in the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000. This move aims to address the country’s socioeconomic challenges effectively.