The federal government is reportedly exploring the possibility of increasing the current minimum wage to a higher level, with some sources suggesting a figure as high as N200,000 per month, based on the demands of the organised labour in Nigeria.
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However, the state governors have called for a measured approach, while the Technical Working Group (TWG) headed by Anambra State governor Charles Soludo has been tasked to investigate various dimensions of the matter and provide recommendations.
Sources say that the Salaries, Incomes & Wages Commission has already made a presentation at the last month’s National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, indicating how the federal government can meet the N200,000 per month minimum wage demand.
In his private discussions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly shown a strong inclination to support the goal of a living wage, pointing to his campaign promises as proof of his readiness to handle the challenge.
Recall President Tinubu as President-elect had said on Workers Day on May 1, 2023: “In the Nigeria, I shall have the honour and privilege to lead from May 29, workers will have more than a minimum wage. You will have a living wage to have a decent life and provide for your families.”
The NEC meeting, which was inaugurated by the president in June, also examined the financial feasibility of raising the minimum wage to the proposed level. While the Salaries & Wages Commission assured that the federal government could afford such an increase, some state governors expressed concerns over the potential economic impact of the move.
For now, the TWG is expected to engage in detailed discussions and consultations with key stakeholders, including labour unions, employers’ associations, and economic experts, before making any recommendations to the federal government.
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