Abuja: The Acting Minister of Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkiruika Onyejeocha, revealed on Monday that the report from the Tripartite Committee on the new minimum wage, submitted to President Bola Tinubu will represents a balanced and practical approach to addressing the numerous challenges faced by Nigerian workers. She said that these submissions are not mere recommendations but a detailed plan for implementing reforms that will foster sustainable improvements in labour conditions nationwide.
Speaking at a one-day retreat titled ‘Labour Reforms and the Quest for Living Wage in Nigeria: A Focus on Legislative Intervention’, organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) for Chairpersons and Members of joint Senate and House Committees on Labour, employment and Productivity, Hon. Mrs Nkiru Onyejeocha reiterated the current administration commitment to reshape Nigeria’s labour landscape. She emphasis the importance of ensuring dignity, protection, and fair compensation for every worker.
She outlined the government’s efforts, pointing out that the Labour and Employment Empowerment Program (LEEP) is a comprehensive strategy for labor reform that places special emphasis on requirements for occupational health and safety..
The Hon, Minister, asked legislators to enact legislation that supports productivity, reflects the goals of Nigerian workers in all sectors, and penalizes labor law violators appropriately. She expressed optimism that a legislative framework in support of a just and equitable labor market could be built via cooperative efforts.
Consequently, Professor Olanrewaju Sulaiman, the Director General of NILDS, drew attention to the significant issue of industrial disputes in Nigeria’s labor relations. He talked on their negative impact on productivity and national development. Professor Sulaiman highlighted the urgent necessity of reassessing the national minimum wage to enhance workers’ conditions, particularly in the face of economic challenges such as inflation and poor standard of living in the country.
He emphasized the pivotal role of the tripartite national minimum wage negotiation committee in proposing practical wage rates that would boost worker morale and contribute to national progress. Furthermore, he underscored the crucial role of legislative oversight in ensuring that any agreements made are translated into enforceable laws that benefit workers and foster economic growth
“One of the key initiatives of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment is the Labour and Employment Empowerment Program (LEEP). LEEP embodies our holistic approach to labour reform, with a specific pillar dedicated to labour reforms and labour compliance
