National Assembly Under Pressure to Resolve National Minimum Wage Tussle
As Nigeria prepares to resume post-Sallah break next month, the National Assembly faces mounting pressure to resolve the national minimum wage tussle. Orji Uzor Kalu insists on N90,000 minimum wage after rejecting N62,000, while the NLC opposes decentralization of wage negotiations.
The legislative body contemplates sanctions against non-compliant states and private sectors, with the government pushing for a wage increase above the rejected amount by labor unions. The challenge lies in ensuring compliance and overcoming governor opposition to the proposed wage.
An executive bill for the new minimum wage is expected to be submitted before lawmakers’ next session, despite state governors pushing for decentralization and amendments to the constitution. The National Assembly vows to enact a law that is difficult to breach, with provisions for sanctions against non-compliance.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum cautions stakeholders on the sustainability of the proposed N60,000 minimum wage, while NLC opposes decentralization, fearing worker disadvantage. The debate persists as the National Assembly seeks a unified resolution to the national wage conundrum.