The tripartite committee entrusted with defining a new national minimum wage for Nigeria has stated that it intends to take a realistic approach, taking into account Nigeria’s economic realities as well as the rates of surrounding West African nations.

 

The committee’s chairman, Buka Goni Aji, made the declaration during President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration of the committee at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, which was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

 

Goni Aji emphasised the committee’s commitment to ensuring that the new minimum wage is consistent with the law and the expectations of Nigerian workers, citing the special attributes of the Nigerian workforce.

 

He said, “He (President Tinubu) wants us to move forward. We don’t have any figure in mind. We want a very, very realistic approach, based on certain conventions on the reality of the Nigerian economy, based also on what you have in our neighbouring West Africa.

 

“Nigerian workers, everyone deserves a rise in his pay package. Honestly, we want a situation where Nigerian workers are sufficiently motivated they would do very well. Because they are productive, because they are creative, they are full of initiatives, human resource base.

 

“I want to believe strongly too that is second to none in Africa. That is why we are here today to ensure that our actions are in line and conformity with the law and expectations and aspirations of the Nigerian worker.”

 

In his remarks, President Tinubu, represented by his Vice, asked the 37-member committee, which included government, organised labour, and private sector leaders, to participate in good faith collective bargaining.

 

He emphasised the significance of a fast conclusion, as the present minimum wage of N30,000 is slated to expire at the end of March 2024.

 

President Tinubu emphasised the need for equality and social justice in setting the new pay.

 

He advocated for prompt attendance at meetings and productive talks both within and beyond the committee to reach a consensus.