Nigerian Government Inaugurates Tripartite National Minimum Wage Committee

Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, inaugurated the Tripartite National Minimum Wage Committee on Tuesday to maintain sustainability in all tiers of government.

During the inauguration event held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima directed the committee members to ensure that their decisions provide social justice and equity, noting that the committee must pay attention to all parties' abilities to set new wages.

"Our objective should be to surpass the basic Social Protection Floor for all Nigerian workers, considering the sustainable payment capacity of each tier of government and other employers or businesses," he said, as per an official statement shared on X, formerly Twitter.

"I express this viewpoint because the minimum wage represents the least amount of compensation an employee should receive for their labor, and as such, it should be rooted in social justice and equity," he added.

The vice president noted that the Tinubu-led administration is hoping that the results will be "consensual and acceptable to all parties involved" while reaffirming the administration's commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian workers alongside the entire country.

He stressed that the "labor force stands as the cornerstone of the progress of every nation, and ours has been the enduring engine of our pursuit of development."

Addressing all the members, including state governors, ministers, and the head of the civil service of the federation, the vice president directed them to be present at all the meetings physically. In case they are not able to make it, then they need to send their deputies, commissioners, and permanent secretaries to represent them.

"I urge you to consider the issue of a National Minimum Wage and all related matters with thoroughness and concern, keeping in mind not only the welfare of our workforce but also the impact on the country's economy," Tinubu said, as per vice president.

Furthermore, Shettima told all the members that "timely submission is crucial to initiate the necessary processes for implementing a new National Minimum Wage," stressing that the government's decision will be presented as an Executive Bill to the National Assembly.

"This bill, enriched by the contributions of state governments and private sector employers, will undergo thorough legislative scrutiny before being passed into law," he added.

Last October, the organized labor union suspended the planned nationwide strike after the government ensured they would get a minimum wage as per their demand.