- NECA urges the government to expedite the conclusion of the national minimum wage tripartite committee’s deliberations
- Concerns are raised over the prolonged delay, exacerbating tensions and mistrust among stakeholders, including organized labour and state governors
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has urged the federal government to prompt the tripartite committee on the national minimum wage to conclude its deliberations, citing concerns over the prolonged delay, which has led to agitation and mistrust among stakeholders.
NECA President Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde expressed worries about the committee’s failure to reconvene promptly. He noted that the absence of meetings had exacerbated tensions between organized labour and some state governors. The last meeting held by the tripartite committee occurred a month ago.
Oyerinde highlighted the lack of consensus among stakeholders. The proposed N615,000 minimum wage put forth by the National Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) failed to garner support from state governors, further fueling agitation.
While urging both parties to exercise patience and await the committee’s decision, Oyerinde stressed the importance of considering all factors discussed in previous meetings to arrive at a final decision.
He emphasized that any wage increase must align with the parameters outlined in the ILO Minimum Wage Fixing Convention 131 of 1970, which considers the needs of workers and their families and economic factors.