Femi Falana, a human rights attorney and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has urged the National Assembly to pass an updated minimum wage bill as soon as possible that takes into account the nation’s present economic circumstances, just like they did with the national song.
He stated that since the National Minimum Wage Act 2019 had run its course, it was imperative that all branches of government examine and enact a new legislation to that effect.
“Pursuant to the National Minimum Wage Act 2019, the national minimum wage was fixed at N30,000. By virtue of section 3(4) of the Act 2019 the national minimum wage expires after five years, and it shall be reviewed in line with the provisions of this Act.
“Since the commencement date of the Act was the 18th day of April 2019, the national minimum wage of N30,000 has since expired.
He said that once the fuel subsidy was eliminated, the Federal Government announced an additional N35,000 salary award (wage subsidy) for a period of six months. commencing on September 1, 2023.
However, the Federal Government later changed its mind and offered a minimum wage of N48,000. This prompted the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to go on an indefinite strike because the government and other employers of labor had failed to provide Nigerian workers with a realistic new minimum wage.
Falana went on, “However, it has been reported that the leaders of the National Assembly have intervened in the planned strike.
“The National Assembly should, therefore, speedily pass a new National Minimum Wage Act like the new National Anthem Act that was enacted within 48 hours, last week.”
