New Minimum Wage Committee Holds Inaugural Meeting in Abuja

By Iyojo Ameh

The recently constituted 37-member National Minimum Wage Committee convened its inaugural meeting at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, shortly after being inaugurated by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The committee, tasked with deliberating on adjustments to the national minimum wage, witnessed its formation on Tuesday.

The committee, inaugurated at the Aso Rock Villa’s council chamber, includes representatives from various sectors, ensuring a comprehensive perspective.

Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, heads the Federal Government representation, while state governors and private sector leaders also contribute.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, acknowledged the committee’s inaugural session in a brief statement.

He lauded the committee for promptly convening and commended Vice President Shettima for fulfilling the commitment to establish the National Minimum Wage Committee.

Membership of the committee spans the Federal Government, State Governments, Private Sector, and Organized Labour. The diverse composition aims to address the nuances and considerations necessary for arriving at a balanced and equitable minimum wage recommendation.

Key figures on the committee include Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, and Prof. Charles Soludo representing the Federal Government and State Governments, respectively. The private sector is represented by leaders from organizations such as NECA, NACCIMA, NASME, and MAN, fostering a collaborative approach to wage determination.

From Organized Labour, leaders from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) add the crucial voice of the workforce to the committee’s discussions.

The committee’s inaugural meeting marks the beginning of an extensive process that aims to address the evolving economic landscape and the need for fair remuneration.