- NLC President Joe Ajaero expresses concern about including state governors, some not complying with the old minimum wage, in the new wage committee
- Ajaero emphasizes the urgency of the matter and hopes the committee, despite concerns, works diligently within the limited timeframe
Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has expressed reservations about including state governors, some of whom are not complying with the old minimum wage, in the new National Minimum Wage Committee.
The 37-member tripartite committee, inaugurated by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday, has been tasked with recommending a new national minimum wage. The committee is expected to engage in genuine dialogue and collective bargaining to establish a reasonable and realistic minimum wage for the country.
Ajaero, speaking during an interview on Channels TV, highlighted the urgency of the matter, noting that the last minimum wage expires in March. He hoped the committee would work diligently within the limited timeframe to achieve its objectives.
“The composition of the minimum wage committee, especially with the inclusion of governors, raises concerns,” Ajaero said. “Some governors are either not paying the current minimum wage or are doing so in breaches. I hope they approach this with an open heart. Governors in full compliance with the previous minimum wage are not adequately represented in this committee.”
The agreement with the federal government, according to Ajaero, is to establish a committee that will discuss and agree on a portable minimum wage that is more inclusive and addresses the current needs of workers. The NLC President stressed the importance of fairness and representation to ensure a balanced and equitable outcome in determining the new national minimum wage.