President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for the inauguration of a tripartite committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of the new minimum wage for workers in Nigeria.
The announcement came through a letter addressed to Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Dated January 23, 2024, the letter titled “Inauguration of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage” outlined the details of the committee’s inauguration, scheduled to take place on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“I write to inform you that Mr. President has approved the inauguration of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage,” the letter stated.
“The inauguration will take place on Tuesday, 30th January 2024 at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, State House, Abuja, at 12:00 noon prompt.
“Members are to be seated by 11:30 am. Kindly note that a shuttle bus will be available at the pilot gate to convey members to the venue from 10:00 am.”
Labour unions across Nigeria have been advocating for an increase in the minimum wage in response to rising living costs exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies.
In June 2023, amidst mounting pressure, labour leaders urged the government to raise the minimum wage from N30,000 to N200,000 to align with prevailing economic conditions.
The current minimum wage was last reviewed in April 2019, increasing from N18,000 to N30,000.