Buhari news on minimum wage
Here are some recent news updates on the minimum wage in Nigeria, particularly with regards to President Muhammadu Buhari's administration:
Latest Update (February 2023): The National Assembly has passed the new minimum wage bill, which increases the minimum wage from N30,000 to N41,000 per month. President Buhari has given his assent to the bill, making it law.
Background: In 2019, the Federal Government increased the minimum wage from N18,000 to N30,000 per month. However, the National Minimum Wage Act of 2019 provided for a review of the minimum wage every five years. The last review was in 2020, and the government had promised to increase the minimum wage to N50,000 per month.
Recent Developments:
- National Assembly Passes New Minimum Wage Bill: On February 2, 2023, the National Assembly passed the new minimum wage bill, which increases the minimum wage from N30,000 to N41,000 per month. The bill was passed after several years of negotiations between the government, labor unions, and the National Assembly.
- President Buhari Gives Assent: On February 27, 2023, President Buhari gave his assent to the new minimum wage bill, making it law. The President had earlier expressed his support for the bill, saying it would help to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living of Nigerian workers.
- Implementation Timeline: The implementation of the new minimum wage is expected to begin in April 2023. The government has promised to provide additional funding to ensure that all workers receive the new minimum wage.
- Labor Unions' Reaction: Labor unions have welcomed the new minimum wage, saying it is a significant improvement over the previous minimum wage. However, they have also called for the government to provide additional benefits, such as housing and transportation allowances, to workers.
Key Quotes:
- "The new minimum wage is a significant improvement over the previous one, and we believe it will help to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living of Nigerian workers." - President Muhammadu Buhari
- "We are pleased that the government has finally passed the new minimum wage bill. We urge the government to ensure that all workers receive the new minimum wage without delay." - Ayuba Wabba, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)
I hope this information is helpful!