New Minimum Wage Will Take Effect From May 1st - Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha

On Wednesday, the federal government announced that the new minimum wage will begin on May 1, 2024.

The State Minister for Labour, Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, revealed this during her speech on Wednesday at Eagles Square during Workers' Day celebrations.

According to the speech, civil servants will receive arrears from May 1, or whichever day the new minimum wage is signed into law. She, however, expressed regret that it has not taken off yet.

She said the new minimum wage will go into effect on May 1, 2024, so workers will not lose anything, even though the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage has not finished negotiating.

She also stated that wide debates were ongoing to ensure the document was out as soon as possible.

This development comes after organised labour demanded a new Minimum wage of N615,000, which they believe will assist Nigerian workers in adapting to current economic realities and the high cost of living in Nigeria.

On Wednesday, during the 2024 Workers Day celebration in Eagles Square, Abuja, Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, made this demand in his speech. 

The labour unions stated that the current N30,000 minimum wage, signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, could no longer guarantee the well-being of the average Nigerian worker.

Ajaero said, "We want to remind you that the process of fixing the new Minimum wage is still continuing. We have placed our demand of N615,000 before our social partners while we await their offer."

In addition, the labour leaders urged President Tinubu to keep the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) in place. The PTAD was created in August 2013 in accordance with the 2004 Pension Reform Act (PRA).

Ajaero noted that "PTAD has been doing a good job for pensioners" and, therefore, should be left as it is.

President Bola Tinubu pledged that his administration would improve their welfare in his goodwill letter to Nigerian workers.

In a statement signed by the President's Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, the President praised Nigerian workers for their commitment to the country's peace, progress, and development. 

The President affirmed that his administration remains committed to "improving the welfare of all workers, noting the various relief programs, including the wage award and the imminent minimum wage review."

The President applauded Nigerian workers across all spheres, including "the clerical officer who ensures the proper documentation and distribution of correspondence; the security officer who remains ever dutiful through all seasons; the teacher who secures the future of our nation by imparting knowledge to the next generation; the doctor who works relentlessly to save precious lives, and to all Nigerian workers who keep the candle aflame."

The President stated that workers should receive fair and appropriate compensation, not just any reward, and those who maintain the country's machinery should also benefit from improved welfare.

While wishing the Nigerian workers Happy May Day celebrations, the President assured them of his "dedication to not only improving their welfare but also enhancing their working conditions and providing the necessary tools for them to succeed."