Minimum Wage: Committee Finalises Work as FG, Labour Sign MOU

The Federal Government and Organized Labour have signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) on consequential salary adjustments. This development comes after the committee on consequential salary adjustments, set up by the Tinubu administration, concluded its assignment following the new Minimum Wage Act 2024.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who also chairs the committee, praised members for their hard work. “Both the Trade Union and the Government sides have agreed on the Consequential Adjustments in Salaries arising from the new minimum wage of N70,000,” she said.

Mrs. Walson-Jack disclosed that all members considered the MOU, signed copies, and concluded the exercise by handing over copies to representatives on both sides. She described the assignment as the shortest and most peaceful negotiations thus far, adding that the signed MOU would now be forwarded to the Federal Government for further action.

Comrade Benjamin Anthony, National Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, representing the Trade Union Congress, commended Mrs. Walson-Jack and expressed satisfaction with the committee’s work.

The agreement marks a significant milestone after months of negotiations between the government and labour representatives. President Bola Tinubu fixed the Minimum Wage at N70,000, despite labour’s initial demand of N250,000 and the government’s earlier proposal of N62,000. The President also reduced the review period for the national minimum wage from five to three years.

Labour leaders accepted the figure, citing current economic challenges and the President’s commitment to reviewing the minimum wage every three years. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the development as a “happy moment” for the country.

The Federal Government has assured the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) of resuming payment of the wage award to workers.