Late last year, the FG proposed reviewing the minimum wage and implementing another one in 2024. On Wednesday, 17th January 2024, the Federal Government committed to meeting the N35,000 wage award and addressing the new minimum wage issue by the agreement reached with labor unions in 2023.
The agreement the FG had with the labor union in 2023 stipulated the payment of an N35,000 wage award to workers for six months, along with a review of the minimum wage in 2024. The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, shared this information while visiting the Trade Union Congress (TUC) office in Abuja on Wednesday.
Onyejeocha mentioned that her visits to prominent trade unions aimed to uphold transparent communication, enhance labor relations, prevent potential strikes, and cultivate a positive working atmosphere for employees. The minister also shared the government’s agreement to honor the discussions with labor unions, specifically regarding the N35,000 wage award and the consideration of a new minimum wage.
“I am here specifically to reassure you that we have not forgotten about the agreements between the government and trade unions.
The government is working round the clock to ensure that agreements with trade unions are fulfilled. Thank God that you have confirmed that the federal government has started paying the N35,000 wage award,” the Minister addressed.
Regarding the new national minimum wage, Onyejeocha stated that President Tinubu is dedicated to resolving the matter, and the Federal Government plans to accelerate the process. She also said, “I do not want to wait for any stakeholder to start agitating, that is why I came to remind you that we are working to make sure they are fulfilled.”
For government workers, this is coming as another ray of sunshine, something they have, for a long time, longed for. While the government has promised to hit the ground running in April to set the new minimum wage in motion, the beneficiaries wait.
