Challenges Ahead: South-South States Lead in Proposed Minimum Wage Figures

The Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage presented recommendations for a new minimum wage across the six geopolitical zones on Thursday.

Chaired by Ekpo Nta, Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, the committee stressed the importance of involving stakeholders in the process.

A public hearing, scheduled for March 7, was set to take place in Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, and Abuja.

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Stakeholders from various sectors were invited to participate and submit memoranda, including their proposals for the new national minimum wage.

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Here is a breakdown of the recommendations from each zone:

1. North West: The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) proposed a minimum wage of N485,000, citing economic dynamics and legal protections under the Minimum Wage Act.
2. North East: Labour unions suggested a monthly minimum wage of N560,000, while some state governments proposed lower figures, such as N45,000.
3. North Central: The NLC chapter in the Federal Capital Territory recommended a minimum wage of N709,000, while the Trade Union Congress (TUC) proposed N447,000.
4. South West: The NLC demanded N794,000 as the new minimum wage for the region.
5. South South: The NLC in Akwa Ibom recommended a minimum wage of N850,000, expressing concerns about non-implementation of the current minimum wage.
6. South East: Both the NLC and TUC suggested revised minimum wages of N540,000 and N447,000, respectively, during the regional hearings.

These proposals were presented during public hearings organized by the Tripartite Committee, reflecting the diverse economic realities and perspectives across the country.

Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the 37-member panel in Abuja, emphasizing the urgency of reaching a resolution before the expiration of the current N30,000 minimum wage at the end of March 2024.