Nigeria national minimum wage news
Here are some recent news updates on the Nigeria National Minimum Wage:
Latest Development:
- On April 18, 2022, the Nigerian Senate passed the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which seeks to increase the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N40,000 per month. The bill is now awaiting presidential assent.
- On April 20, 2022, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) gave the government a 14-day ultimatum to implement the new minimum wage, threatening to embark on a nationwide strike if the demand is not met.
Background:
- In 2019, the Nigerian government increased the national minimum wage from N18,000 to N30,000 per month, following a long-standing demand by workers and labour unions.
- However, the N30,000 minimum wage has been criticized as being inadequate, with many workers calling for an increase to reflect the rising cost of living in the country.
Key Issues:
- The main issue is the need to increase the national minimum wage to reflect the current economic realities in the country, including the rising cost of living, inflation, and the devaluation of the naira.
- Another issue is the implementation of the new minimum wage, with many workers and labour unions demanding that the government ensure that all employers of labour, including federal, state, and local governments, implement the new wage without delay.
Reactions:
- The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has been at the forefront of the campaign for a new minimum wage, with its President, Ayuba Wabba, saying that the current minimum wage is "grossly inadequate" and that workers are "suffering" as a result.
- The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has also supported the demand for a new minimum wage, with its President, Quadri Olaleye, saying that the current wage is "insufficient" and that workers need a "substantial" increase to reflect the current economic realities.
- The government has also acknowledged the need to increase the minimum wage, with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, saying that the government is committed to implementing a new minimum wage that reflects the current economic realities.
Timeline:
- April 18, 2022: The Nigerian Senate passes the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which seeks to increase the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N40,000 per month.
- April 20, 2022: The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) give the government a 14-day ultimatum to implement the new minimum wage, threatening to embark on a nationwide strike if the demand is not met.
I hope this information is helpful!