Federal Government to Inaugurate Minimum Wage Committee on January 30

In a significant development, the Federal Government is poised to inaugurate the Minimum Wage Committee on January 30. The committee, spearheaded by former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Bukar Aji, has a crucial mandate—to propose a new national minimum wage for the country.

This move comes in the wake of President Bola Tinubu's removal of the fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023. To cushion the impact, the Federal Government had temporarily provided N35,000 to each employee. However, organized labor maintained that this was a provisional solution, underscoring the necessity for a comprehensive review of the minimum wage in 2024.

As the current N30,000 minimum wage approaches expiration at the end of March 2024, concerns mounted in January 2024 over the government's delay in inaugurating the new national minimum wage committee. In response to these concerns, a statement released on Sunday by the Director of Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, outlined the committee's composition.

The 37-member committee comprises representatives from state governments, the private sector, and organized labor. Notable figures include Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State, Labour and Employment; Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; and Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

The committee's task is pivotal in shaping the future wage landscape of the nation, considering the multifaceted representation from various sectors. With diverse perspectives at the table, the committee aims to navigate the intricacies of recommending a new minimum wage that aligns with the evolving economic landscape.

This development signifies a crucial step in addressing the concerns raised by organized labor and underscores the government's commitment to addressing economic challenges through constructive dialogue and policy measures.