The Federal Government has finally set a date for the transmission of the national minimum wage to the National Assembly, the decision taken to halt the organised labour from commencing an industrial action when the country is about to conduct a general election.
The Nigerian government has continually remain undecided over the labour demand for a review of a national minimum wage after receiving the tripartite committee report of N30,000 as the new minimum wage figure.
President Buhari promised he would review the recommendation and transmit the bill to the National Assembly for consideration.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliate Unions have threatened to commenced an industrial action on 8th Jan, 2019 if the federal government failed to transmit the committee report to the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, the federal government on Tuesday has finally agreed to transmit the bill to the National Assembly on 23rd January, the decision which came after days of talks between the federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Dr, Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Minister of National Planning, Udo Udoma were all present at the Tuesday meeting with the NLC, TUC and other Labour unions between 1pm and 3:30pm.
During the meeting, the Minister of Labour and Employment said protests were no longer necessary and threats of any form should be withdrawn since both parties have arrived at an agreement.
The Minister added, “On part of the government, we are going to try to implement all the processes that will enable us to transmit this bill within a good time. We have a target time of January 23 and hoping all things being equal, the executive will act accordingly. We will take it to the statutory meetings of Federal Executive Council, National Economy Council and the National Council of States to enable us to transmit the bill on the new national minimum wage,” according to Premium Time.
The National President of NLC Ayuba Wabba said the Labour Unions have agreed to the date, however, warned it will not tolerate any breach. He advised to government to keep to their words and let the process be completed.
The NLC leader concluded, “Our position is clear and through our negotiation, they know very well that not yielding to the terms is going to spell a reaction not good for the industrial atmosphere of the country. We have it in good faith that they will honour their part of the bargain. We will continue to sensitize our member that once it is 24th and nothing is done, we swing into action.
