The tripartite committee, responsible for establishing a new national minimum wage for Nigeria, has declared its intention to take a pragmatic approach. This approach considers the economic realities of Nigeria and the existing wages in neighboring West African countries.
The committee’s chairman, Buka Goni Aji, made this announcement during the committee’s inauguration at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with President Bola Tinubu represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Goni Aji emphasized the committee’s dedication to ensuring that the new minimum wage aligns with the law and the aspirations of Nigerian workers, acknowledging the exceptional qualities of the Nigerian workforce.
He stated, “President Tinubu wants us to move forward. We don’t have any figure in mind. We want a very realistic approach based on certain conventions regarding the reality of the Nigerian economy and what exists in our neighboring West Africa.”
Goni Aji expressed the committee’s commitment to motivating Nigerian workers through fair compensation, recognizing their productivity, creativity, and initiative. He highlighted the belief that the Nigerian workforce is second to none in Africa, emphasizing the need for actions in line with the law and the expectations of Nigerian workers.
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Shettima, urged the 37-member committee, comprising representatives from the government, organized labor, and the private sector, to engage in collective bargaining in good faith. He emphasized the importance of a timely resolution, given that the current minimum wage of N30,000 is set to expire at the end of March 2024. Tinubu underscored the significance of equity and social justice in determining the new wage, calling for punctual attendance at meetings and constructive consultations within and outside the committee to reach a consensus.
