Labour And Tinubu Set Date To Discuss Minimum Wage, Local Governments Demand Greater Allocations

Labour And Tinubu Set Date To Discuss Minimum Wage, Local Governments Demand Greater Allocations

President Bola Tinubu is set to meet with labour leaders on Thursday to finalize discussions on a new minimum wage, while the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) is urging a revised revenue formula to support the 774 local government areas across the country…….. CONTINUE READING 

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the follow-up meeting after the 15th Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday, emphasizing Tinubu’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders.

Following the agreement on a new minimum wage, an amendment bill will be sent to the National Assembly. Although a previous meeting last Thursday took place, no conclusive figure was agreed upon, necessitating this upcoming session.

The Tripartite Committee on the New National Minimum Wage submitted two conflicting proposals: the government and organized private sector suggested N62,000, while organized labour called for N250,000. President Tinubu has requested more time to harmonize these figures before sending an executive bill to the National Assembly.

Idris stated that the Ministry of Budget has been directed to provide additional support for the 2024 budget to address any financial gaps resulting from the new wage.

“The government is committed to establishing a minimum wage that is fair and sustainable for all Nigerians,” he said. Tinubu is open to further consultations with organized labour to reach a final agreement.

Idris highlighted the importance of a wage increase that does not lead to inflation and is manageable for all sectors, including federal, state, and local governments. He mentioned the possibility of reviewing wages every two to three years instead of waiting five years.

**Local Governments Seek More Support**

Meanwhile, ALGON President Aminu Mu’azu-Maifata has called for increased monthly allocations to the local government areas to ensure compliance with the new minimum wage once enacted.

Speaking at a press conference in Lafia, he emphasized that without a favorable revenue-sharing formula, many councils would struggle to implement the new wage. He expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to reviewing the sharing formula to benefit local governments.

Mu’azu-Maifata urged council chairmen to leverage local government autonomy to positively impact grassroots communities. He commended the President for his efforts to strengthen local governance as outlined in the constitution.

He called on all council chairmen to prioritize salary payments, enhance healthcare facilities, support local schools, and ensure community security to improve living conditions for citizens.

Mu’azu-Maifata also encouraged stakeholders to support the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy and work collaboratively to maximize its benefits for the populace.