Tripartite Committee: Base minimum wage on equity, social justice — Shettima

President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage on Tuesday with a call to ensure that any new minimum wage is rooted in equity and social justice.

Performing the ceremony inside the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, he observed that this is important because the minimum wage represents the least amount of compensation for employees for that day.

The president, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, hoped that in its deliberation, the committee would work in a consensual manner to reach an acceptable position for the government’s action.

While noting that the government recognises the need for a new minimum wage because of present realities, Tinubu encouraged the committee to engage in collective bargaining in good faith.

Tinubu stated that the inauguration of the 37-man committee, whose membership cuts across state government, the private sector, and organised labour, reinforced the administration’s desire to foster a motivated workforce, reaffirming its promise to improve the welfare of Nigerian workers and, by extension, the entire nation.

“The labour force stands as the cornerstone of the progress of every nation, and ours has been the enduring engine of our pursuit of development,” he said.

Welcoming the members of the committee, he added: “Our sense of duty today thrives on both our sensitivity to the conditions of the Nigerian worker and the impending expiration of the last Minimum Wage Instrument in a few months.

“It is in recognition of the need to ensure a fair and decent living wage and in compliance with the Act that the Federal Government has set in motion the necessary mechanisms to assemble this tripartite committee to chart a future that aligns with our collective interests.

“While the decisions we have taken to save the economy are inevitable, we are not unaware of the short-term consequences. We believe that government is a continuum, and, as such, we have intervened in the systemic delays that undermine our economic growth.

“Since the removal of the subsidy, various committees have been established to examine and make recommendations to the government on measures to cushion the envisaged painful effects of the increase on workers and the Nigerian populace at large.

“I am pleased to share that action has since commenced on the implementation of the outcome of those agreements and initiatives.”

Tinubu remarked that the inauguration of the tripartite committee stemmed from the deliberations of one of the technical committees, which included representatives from both government and organised labour.

He further said, “We have identified the need for the review of the National Minimum Wage and to consider a minimum wage level that can alleviate the nation.

“It gladdens my heart that the recommendation is being acted upon today, and we can all acknowledge that this is in line with our democratic process and adherence to the rule of law. I express my gratitude to all those who contributed to that endeavour.”

The president urged the committee to consider the issue of a national minimum wage and all related matters with thoroughness and concern, keeping in mind not only the welfare of the nation’s workforce but also the impact on the country’s economy.

“The issue of a national minimum wage for the Federation falls within the Exclusive Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Therefore, our objective should be to surpass the basic social protection floor for all Nigerian workers, considering the sustainable payment capacity of each tier of government and other employers or businesses.

“I express this viewpoint because the minimum wage represents the least amount of compensation an employee should receive for their labour, and as such, it should be rooted in social justice and equity.

“I hope that the results of your deliberations will be consensual and acceptable to all parties involved.”

The president revealed that the government’s decision, following consideration of the committee’s final recommendation, will be presented as an executive bill to the National Assembly.

He expressed the hope that the Committee will employ the principles of full consultation with social partners and their direct participation, considering the core provisions of the International Labour Organisation Minimum Wage Fixing Convention No. 131 and Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery Convention No. 26, both of which have been ratified by Nigeria.

Tinubu pleaded that, in accordance with this, the conditions of genuine social dialogue should prevail in the spirit of tripartism and collective bargaining agreements.

“I, therefore, encourage all of you to engage in collective bargaining in good faith, recognise each other, and maintain a spirit of give and take. Additionally, please continue your consultations outside the Committee as you work towards recommending a new national minimum wage,” the president implored.

In his welcome remarks, the Secretary to Government of the Federation, George Akume, explained that the committee carries the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerian workers, “and its work will be instrumental in shaping the economic landscape of our nation.”

He added, “The past year in the life of our nation has been marked by significant economic challenges. The removal of fuel subsidies, while a necessary step towards long-term fiscal sustainability, has undoubtedly imposed temporary hardships on many. In recognition of these challenges, the government made a commitment to cushion the effects on workers through a wage award, which is being implemented currently.

“Today, we take another crucial step in fulfilling that promise by embarking on a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage.

“The Minimum Wage Act of 2019 empowers this Tripartite Committee, composed of representatives of government, organised labour, and employers, to engage in open and constructive dialogue to arrive at a fair and sustainable minimum wage.

“This process is not merely about numbers; it is about recognising the dignity of work and ensuring that all Nigerians have the opportunity to earn a living wage that allows them to meet their basic needs and participate meaningfully in our society.

“In return, the workforce, whether public or private, must, of necessity, ramp up productivity in order to sustain whatever the outcome of future engagements.”

The chairman of the committee, Bukar Aji, assured that the committee is equipped with the expertise to handle the assignment.

Speaking on behalf of the state governors who are members of the committee, Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State said the inauguration of the tripartite committee shows the willingness of this government to prioritise the welfare of the citizens of Nigeria.