We are gathered here today to
address issues concerning the welfare of the Nigerian people. Like his
counterpart all over the world, the Nigerian worker is a vital element in the
growth and development of modern nations. I therefore welcome the nominees of
the Tripartite National Minimum Wage Committee who have been selected for the
very important task of renegotiating the National Minimum Wage for our workers.
2. We all know that the last
Minimum Wage Instrument has expired, and it is in recognition of the need to
ensure a fair and decent living wage that the Federal Government put in motion
necessary mechanism so that we can today inaugurate this large committee with a
big task ahead of you.
3. You are all aware that during
the period following the increase in Petrol Pump Price in May 2016, a Technical
Committee was established to examine and make recommendations to Government on
the measures to be adopted to cushion the envisaged painful effects of the
increase on workers and the Nigerian populace at large.
4. During the deliberations of
the Technical Committee which comprised Government and Organized Labour, the
need for the review of the National Minimum Wage was highlighted and
recommendation to set up a committee to look into the level of minimum wage was
made accordingly. I am glad that the recommendation is being acted upon today
and we can all acknowledge that this is in line with our democratic process. I
wish to thank all those who participated in that exercise.
5. Considering the scope of the
membership of this new National Minimum Wage Committee we can see that it is
encompassing all stakeholders. My hope is that, the outcome of the
deliberations of the Committee would be consensual and generally acceptable. I
therefore urge you to amicably consider the issue of a National Minimum Wage
and all matters that are ancillary to it with thoroughness and concern not only
for the welfare of our work-force but the effect on the country’s economy.
6. The subject of a National
Minimum Wage for the Federation is within the Exclusive Legislative List of the
1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Accordingly,
we should aim to go above the basic Social Protection Floor for all Nigerian
workers based on the ability of each tier of Government to pay.
7. I say this because minimum
wage is the minimum amount of compensation an employee must receive for putting
in his or her labour and as such should be anchored on Social Justice and
Equity.
8. Government’s decision after
considering your final recommendation will be sent as an Executive Bill to the
National Assembly for it to undergo appropriate legislative scrutiny before
passage into law.
9. As is evident by the
membership of the Committee, State Governors and Private Sector Employers are
part of this process. This will ensure ease of implementation of a new Minimum
Wage nationwide.
10. I am hopeful that the
principles of full consultation with Social Partners and their direct
participation would be utilized by the Committee, bearing in mind the core
provisions of the International Labour Organisation Minimum Wage Fixing
Convention No. 131 and Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery Convention No.26 (ratified
by Nigeria).
11. Accordingly, conditions of
genuine Social Dialogue should prevail in the spirit of Tripartism and
Collective Bargaining Agreements. I therefore enjoin you all to collectively
bargain in good faith, have mutual recognition for each other and always in a
spirit of give and take.
12. The Committee is expected to
complete its deliberations and submit its report and recommendations as soon as
possible to enable other requisite machinery to be set in motion for
implementation of a new National Minimum Wage.
I wish you fruitful deliberations
and I am very happy to inaugurate this Committee.
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