Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment, says plans have been put in place to review and implement a new minimum wage for Nigerian civil servants by May 2024.
According to the Daily Trust Newspaper, Ngige made the announcement in Abuja on Tuesday, February 7 at the 13th National Delegates’ Conference of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
During his speech at the conference, the former Anambra state governor urged organized labor and other trade unions to refrain from imposing their will on the government.
He stated that the trade unions’ attitude and actions contradict the Trade Union Act’s statutory codes, which require all newly elected trade union officials to take required courses at the Michael Imuodu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS)
He stated that this training will provide them with firsthand knowledge and adequate capacity to effectively exercise their responsibilities and influence their Industrial Relations authorities.
Ngige said:
“The good story that filters out from it is that we put out an Act, a legislation that had in place an inbuilt review five years mechanism, unlike the formal Act. So, mandatorily, Nigeria will produce a new minimum wage on or before May 2024
“It is acknowledged, both nationally and internationally, that government would not interfere in trade union matters and likewise, trade unions are not to interfere in labour administration unless as provided by the laws and principles of tripartism.”
Ngige went on to say that it is not the trade union’s place to tell the government who to appoint as public officials.
He urged the NLC to ensure that the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) 2010 is implemented by state governments.
Ngige said:
“This has resulted in many workers not being covered by the ECA Act for injuries and even deaths sustained in the place or course of employment.
“The NLC should remedy this situation as the welfare of workers is one of the cardinal functions of Trade Unions including the Confederations.
“In this regard, it should be noted that the PENCOM Act 2014 makes it mandatory for all employers to give Insurance Cover for workers employed by them.”