Nigerian Workers will soon get a reason to smile according to the Federal government as indications have emerged that the Minimum Wage Committee may round off its deliberations on August 21.
This news was revealed by the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Ayuba Wabba while he was addressing workers in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the closing ceremony of the 16th Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Rain School.
The NLC President further revealed that all the tripartite members of the committee have agreed that the discussion on the new minimum wage should end on August 21 after which the report would be dispatched immediately to the presidency for signature and subsequently to the National Assembly for accelerated hearing.
“Between now and August 21, our committee is expected to meet once or twice before then to put everything in proper perspective. But there is a clear understanding that every deliberation must end on the 21st of this month,” he said.
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The NLC President, who was apologetic for his failure to attend the opening ceremony of the Rain School last week Monday, explained that the decision was taken at the committee’s meeting same day.
According to Mr. Wabba, “I have good news for you, as I’m happy to let you know that my inability to be with you at the opening ceremony was to take care of things equally important to all the Nigerian workers. The Minimum Wage Committee was fixed for that day and at the meeting, we’ve agreed that our deliberation must be concluded on August 21.”
The NLC president further said that it was imperative that Nigerian workers get the new minimum wage this year while noting that the August date has further made it more possible although he declined to reveal the new amount being suggested as minimum wage.
He said, “We have concluded all discussions and now on the verge of putting our thoughts together but whatever the decision, everybody is convinced that workers deserve new wage.”
Nigeria’s organised labour had warned that it would not tolerate the minimum wage being dragged beyond September, after the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, said that the September date may not be feasible.
Mr. Ayuba Wabba however said the fact that the committee concluded earlier than the September date, shows Nigerian workers may get the new wage by September as earlier proposed.
Nigerian workers have been clamouring for a new minimum wage to reflect the realities of the economy.