Senator Chris Ngige, Minister of Labor and Employment, has denied widespread reports that the federal government intends to review public and civil servant salaries.
Goldennewsng reports that Ngige said the increment he suggested with State House Reporters in Abuja was on the compensations and remittances of the impacted laborers, particularly the government workers.
A statement that was signed by Mr. Olajide Oshundun, the Ministry’s Head of Public Relations, contained the minister’s denial.
“The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has been drawn to the news item that the FG is reviewing salaries of public and civil servants, which was a fallout from his interaction with State House Correspondents after his recent audience with Mr. President,” the statement read.
“The minister wishes to clarify that the increase he mentioned was on the wages and benefits of the affected workers, particularly civil servants,” he said.
According to the statement, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation had submitted suggestions for the Presidential Committee on Salaries to review the allowances of numerous Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
“Since pay part isn’t being checked on until further notice by the panel, it tended to the stipends part of the solicitations including the curious remittance for Government employees among others.”
The ministry says that in labor lingo, remuneration or emolument is made up of two parts: the salary and the earned allowance.
“Therefore, the FG through the PCS could not have engaged in the review of salaries without involving the workers through their unions, represented by these two labor federations of workers in Nigeria – the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria. Salaries are reviewed or renegotiated as part of social dialogue, and the outcome is typically a Collective Bargaining Agreement that is typically agreed upon by both parties – employers and employees.
“For the aversion of uncertainty, the pastor made it clear to the press corps that it was still work underway and that the finished result of this survey of remittances would be submitted to Mr. President for thought and last endorsement and that this was one of the Work issues he advised him on, that day. It is hoped that the FG will be able to mitigate the debilitating effects of spiraling inflation, particularly those that have an impact on food and energy prices (electricity and petroleum products), by taking this necessary action on compassionate grounds without being prompted or threatened with strike.
According to the statement, “The minister wishes to reassure that the committee is optimistic that Mr. President will receive and consider the recommendations before the end of the first quarter of 2023.”
