NASS To Get New Minimum Wage Bill Soon, Tinubu Assures Nigerians

 

President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that an executive bill on the new national minimum wage for workers will soon be sent to the National Assembly for passage. The announcement came during his second Democracy Day speech on June 12, 2024.Tinubu highlighted the ongoing negotiations with Organised Labour, stating, “In this spirit, we have negotiated in good faith and with open arms with Organised Labour on a new national minimum wage. We shall soon send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of our law for the next five years or less.”Acknowledging the recent national strike initiated by Labour on June 3, 2024, Tinubu emphasized the government’s commitment to constructive dialogue and compromise. He noted that none of the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) faced arrest or threats, emphasizing the importance of reasoned discussion in a democratic society.Tinubu also addressed the economic challenges facing the nation, empathizing with Nigerians and promising necessary reforms to alleviate hardship. He emphasized the long-term benefits of these reforms in creating a stronger economic foundation and ensuring fair compensation for workers.Talks for a new minimum wage have been ongoing for a while, with the Minimum Wage Act of 2019 expiring in April 2024. President Tinubu established a Tripartite Committee in January to negotiate a new minimum wage, comprising representatives from Organised Labour, federal and state governments, and the Organised Private Sector.However, negotiations reached an impasse, leading to Labour declaring an indefinite industrial action on June 3, 2024. Following assurances from President Tinubu, Labour temporarily suspended the strike on June 4, 2024, and resumed talks with government representatives.Despite continued discussions, both sides failed to reach an agreement by June 7, 2024. Labour revised its demand to ₦250,000, while the government offered ₦62,000. President Tinubu is expected to make a decision soon and send an executive bill to the National Assembly for the passage of a new minimum wage bill.As Nigerians await further developments, Tinubu’s assurance signals a potential resolution to the long-standing issue of minimum wage, providing hope for workers across the country.