Tinubu to Meet with Labour Leaders on New Minimum Wage, LGs Demand More Allocation.
President Bola Tinubu will meet with labor leaders on Thursday to finalize discussions on a new minimum wage, following inconclusive talks held last week. The upcoming meeting aims to reach a consensus that will be incorporated into an amendment bill for the National Assembly.
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, briefed journalists after the 15th Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday, revealing the President’s continued consultations with stakeholders to harmonize differing proposals on the minimum wage. The Tripartite Committee on the New National Minimum Wage had submitted two figures: ₦62,000 from the government and private sector, and ₦250,000 from organized labor.
“The government is working round the clock to ensure that it comes up with a minimum wage that works for all Nigerians,” Idris stated. He emphasized that the figure must be sustainable and not lead to inflation, while also being acceptable to federal, state, and private sector employers.
In parallel, the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has demanded a new revenue-sharing formula to support the 774 local government areas in paying the new minimum wage. ALGON President, Aminu Mu’azu-Maifata, highlighted the need for increased monthly allocations during a press briefing in Lafia.
“Unless and until the revenue sharing formula is reviewed to favor local government councils, no council in the country would be able to shoulder the minimum wage,” Mu’azu-Maifata stated. He expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to local government development and anticipated changes to the revenue formula.
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Mu’azu-Maifata, who also serves as Chairman of Lafia LGA in Nasarawa State, urged local government chairmen to use their newfound financial autonomy, as affirmed by a recent Supreme Court judgment, to improve grassroots governance. He called for a focus on salary payments, healthcare, education, and security to ensure meaningful impact on local communities.
The government’s approach to the minimum wage issue includes extensive consultations with various stakeholders. The outcome of Thursday’s meeting and the subsequent legislative actions will be crucial in determining the new minimum wage and ensuring its smooth implementation nationwide.
Idris assured that the President is keen to resolve the wage issue promptly, reflecting the administration’s commitment to enhancing workers’ welfare while maintaining economic stability.
