The National Assembly is on the verge of proposing a groundbreaking bill that would crack down on states and local governments failing to comply with the new minimum wage. This development follows a pledge by President Bola Tinubu to present a bill on the new minimum wage to the Assembly. Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, has revealed that the bill will include strict sanctions for non-compliance and will be meticulously crafted to ensure full adherence to the law.
The aim of the bill is to ensure that states, local governments, and the Organised Private Sector uphold the new minimum wage, which is expected to surpass the current N30,000. While labour unions have been pushing for a minimum wage of N250,000, the Federal Government has proposed N62,000.
Emphasizing that the National Assembly legislates for the entire nation, not just the President, Adaramodu assured that the bill will undergo all necessary legislative processes without delay. House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, echoed this sentiment, expressing the Green Chamber’s eagerness to pass the bill.
Nevertheless, Hakeem Ambali, National Treasurer of the Nigerian Labour Congress, has called for strong political will to enforce sanctions against defaulters, noting that the previous minimum wage act lacked robust enforcement provisions. He stressed the need for deterrent sanctions to ensure compliance.
As labour unions advocate for a higher minimum wage and governments grapple with implementation challenges, the proposed bill signifies a significant step towards ensuring fair wages for workers. It underscores the importance of collaboration between the government, labour unions, and the private sector to strike a balance that benefits all stakeholders. Dialogue and cooperation will be key to successfully implementing the new minimum wage while considering the broader economic implications.
