By Ayo Ayodele
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeruka Onyejeocha, has announced that the template for the new national minimum wage will be released once finalized. A tripartite committee, consisting of representatives from organized labor, the private sector, and the government, is set to meet with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to finalize the wage adjustments.
Onyejeocha made this statement during a town hall meeting organized by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja on Friday. She clarified that the delay in implementing the new wage is not the federal government’s fault but rather due to labor’s delay in finalizing the consequential adjustments. Ongoing separate meetings between the government and the tripartite committee are expected to address this issue.
The minister emphasized that the government should not be held responsible for the delay, noting that once the committee finalizes the figures, payments will commence. She stressed the ministry’s role in ensuring decent work conditions and maintaining industrial harmony, which are vital for national growth and the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Additionally, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso, represented by Omolola Adegbenga, highlighted the necessity of removing the fuel subsidy for the nation’s development. Cardoso urged Nigerians to remain patient and hopeful, asserting that despite current challenges, improvements are forthcoming. The CBN remains committed to supporting President Tinubu’s 8-point agenda and fostering economic growth despite the prevailing difficulties.