The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee on the new minimum wage, describing the report as a balanced and realistic approach to addressing the challenges faced by Nigerian workers.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made this known on Monday in Abuja during a one-day retreat organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) for lawmakers.
She praised the committee’s comprehensive submissions, which she said reflect a blueprint for actionable reforms aimed at improving labour conditions across the country.
She said, “The Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is unwavering in its dedication to ensuring that all workers are treated with dignity, work in safe environments, and earn a living wage. Our vision is clear: to create a labour market that is fair, equitable, and capable of sustaining the aspirations of every Nigerian worker.
“Central to our efforts is the work of the Tripartite Committee comprising Government, Organized Private Sector and Organized Labour, which has diligently engaged with stakeholders on the critical issue of a New National Minimum Wage.
“The Committee’s comprehensive submissions to Mr. President reflect a balanced and realistic approach to addressing the myriad challenges faced by our workforce. These submissions are not just recommendations, they are a blueprint for actionable reforms that will drive sustainable improvements in labour conditions across the country.
“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.”
She urged lawmakers to pass bills that reflect the yearnings of the labour force, foster productivity and growth, and punish offenders of labour laws.