The New Minimum Wage Report as Presented by Ms. Ama Pepple
President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that necessary
machinery was being put in place to transmit an Executive Bill to the
National Assembly on the #30,000 new minimum wage package negotiated by a
tripartite committee comprising government and labour.
He said as the Executive arm begins its review of the submission,
government would continue to engage labour in closing any open areas
presented in the report.
“I, therefore, would like to ask for your patience and understanding in the coming weeks.”
Buhari, who urged workers not to allow themselves to be used as
“political weapons” said his administration was not only committed to
workers’ welfare, but also working to create a diversified and inclusive
economy.
“In constituting this committee, we took into account the need for
all stakeholders to be adequately represented – the government, the
private sector and most importantly the workers. Our goal was to get an
outcome that was consensual.
“From the onset, we knew the committee had a difficult task ahead of
it. But at the same time, we were also confident that the patriotic and
professional background of its members would produce realistic, fair and
implementable recommendations that will be considered by both the
executive and legislative arms of government.
“I am not surprised that the committee has worked for close to one
year. I am also not surprised that on a few occasions, the debates got
heated and sometimes, these differences came out.
“What is truly inspiring is that, in almost all instances of
disagreements, the committee members always came back to the negotiating
table with a common goal of improving the welfare of Nigerian workers.
On behalf of all Nigerians today, I want to thank you for your
commitment and sacrifice in getting us to where we are today.
“In the past few days, I have been receiving regular updates on your
deliberations. And today, I am pleased that you have completed your work
in a peaceful and non-confrontational manner. The entire nation is
grateful to you all.
“The committee chairman highlighted some of the challenges
encountered during your deliberations, especially as it relates to
having a consensus position acceptable by all parties.
“I understand that on the government side, the
concerns raised were around affordability – that today many states struggle to meet their existing salary requirements
.
“On the side of labour, the points raised focused on the need for any increase to be meaningful.”
Chairperson of the Tripartite Committee Ms. Ama Pepple said the
enactment of the draft bill into law was critical to the operation and
future reviews of the National Minimum Wage.
According to her, to reach a consensus, the committee weighed the
demand of the workers, which was predicated on the high cost of living
occasioned by unfavourable exchange rate and rising inflation over the
past few years, among other factors.
“The committee also considered the overall macroeconomic indicators,
including the revenue and expenditure profile of government as provided
by the honorable ministers of Budget and National Planning and Finance
as well as the minimum wage proposed by some state governments in their
memoranda submitted to the committee.
“Consideration was also given to the critical role of the informal
sector in employment generation and the need for a realistic minimum
wage that will not stifle the growth of the sector and the overall
economy.
Meanwhile, Sen. Roland Owie, the Chairman of the National Contact Committee of
ADP has tackled the government over the #30,000 new minimum wage. According to him, governments have capacity to pay even more than that.
In a statement he personally signed, Owie said it was “wickedness of
the highest order” for a government that raised pump price from #97 to #145 per litre, and governors who collect #500 million per month as
security votes to say they could not pay #30,000 minimum wage.
“What is #30,000 when several Nigerians pay their personal drivers up to #50,000 per month?
“I urge Nigerians to heed what St. Augustine said when he wrote that
Hope has two beautiful daughters. Their names are Anger and Courage.
Anger at the way things are and Courage to see they do not remain the
way they are.
“I urge Nigerian workers also to be true to God, humanity, their
families and themselves this time around and never again deceive
themselves or Nigerians by ensuring they all obtain their PVCs and do
the needful in the 2019 general elections. This is the hour for
Nigerians to support Labour,” he said.
