The Committee on Consequential Adjustments in Salaries for civil servants gathered on Friday to discuss the implementation of the new minimum wage. It was decided that the new wage structure would take effect from September 29, 2024.
Labour Criticizes FG for Backdating Minimum Wage
Benson Upah, Head of Information for the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), criticized the government’s decision, calling the backdating of the new minimum wage to September “unacceptable” and unfair.
Insights from the Memorandum of Understanding
According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) released after the meeting and obtained by our correspondent in Abuja, the Committee recommended that the wage award, which had previously been discontinued, should be continued until September 28, 2024.
Government’s Assessment of Economic Conditions
The committee, chaired by Didi Walson-Jack, the head of the Federation’s civil service, stressed that the government carefully considered the current economic climate before making its decisions regarding salary adjustments.
Committee Meetings and Key Recommendations
The Committee held four meetings in total, reviewing submissions from the Federal Government and representatives of the Trade Unions. These meetings considered the economic realities and the Federal Government’s capacity to sustain the salary adjustments mandated by the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, 2024. The potential impact on other employers was also considered.
MOU Recommendations on Salary Templates
The MOU recommended that the National Salaries, Incomes & Wages Commission (NSIWC) develop salary templates for other consolidated pay structures, with implementation scheduled for September 29, 2024. It also suggested that the wage award, as detailed in NS/WC Circular SWC.04/T/33 from October 19, 2023, continue until September 28, 2024.
Measures to Relieve Financial Burden on Workers
The MOU further urged the Federal Government to introduce measures to ease the financial pressure on federal workers, especially following the recent Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) price hike. These measures could include tax waivers and other incentives. It also called for the NSIWC to monitor the implementation process outlined in the Act in collaboration with different stakeholders.
Trade Union Congress Raises Concerns
Timmy Etim, National Vice President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), also expressed disappointment with the government’s stance. He referenced earlier promises made by the Minister of State for Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, during May Day celebrations, where it was announced that the new minimum wage would take effect from May 1. Etim condemned the government for failing to keep its word.
Call for the Government to Keep its Promise
Etim emphasized that the government should fulfil its promise to implement the new wage increase in May. Given the current socio-economic challenges faced by workers, he argued that the N35,000 wage award should remain in place until then.
Civil Servants Express Frustration Over Wage Delay
Several civil servants have expressed disappointment over the delayed implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage. Workers in Ogun State criticized the government’s lack of urgency, describing it as a sign of indifference to the people’s suffering.
Single Mother’s Economic Struggles
Ms. Oladele, a single mother of three and a public school teacher, shared her struggles coping with the worsening economic situation. She condemned the government for its inaction since the fuel subsidy’s removal and the naira’s floating, calling it “the height of wickedness.”
Workers in Ogun State Voice Their Discontent
Another worker, Adesola, expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to address the economic challenges. He criticized the delay in implementing the N70,000 minimum wage, which he believes is insufficient to cope with the rising inflation.
Osun State Civil Servants Feel Cheated
A civil servant in the Ministry of Water Resources in Osun State described the wage delay as a way of “cheating” workers. He explained that the delay has exacerbated civil servants’ financial difficulties, making “the poor even poorer.”
Impact of Rising Fuel Costs
The anonymous Osun State worker blamed the Federal Government’s continuous fuel price increases for worsening the situation. He noted that while prices keep rising, little action has been taken regarding wage adjustments.
National Identity Management Commission Worker Frustrated by Economic Conditions
Oyas, an employee at the National Identity Management Commission in Port Harcourt, shared how rising fuel prices have significantly impacted his life. He stated that his salary is insufficient, forcing him to park his car and rely on public transportation due to the high fuel cost.
Surge in Commodity Prices After Wage Announcement
Oyas further mentioned that since the minimum wage was announced, the cost of goods and services has skyrocketed, adding to the financial burden already being felt by many Nigerian workers.
Click Here To Know More
