The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige on Tuesday, said that Nigeria will implement a new minimum wage on or before May, 2024.
The Minister made this Known at the Nigerian Labour Congress’ 13th National Delegates’ Conference held at the International Conference Center, Abuja.
He warned Organised Labour Trade Unions, to desist from meddling in government affairs and attempting to impose their will on it over appointment decisions.
The former governor claimed that trade unions were violating the terms of the Trade Union Act and directed that all newly elected trade union officials should take the required courses at the Michael Imuodu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) in order to gain the necessary knowledge and develop into seasoned industrial relations authorities.
In his words, “The good stories that filter out from it is that, like the comrade president said here, we put out an Act, a legislation, that had in place an inbuilt review five years mechanism, unlike the formal Act. So mandatoryly, Nigeria will produce a new minimum wage on or before May, 2024
“It is acknowledged both nationally and internationally that government would not interfere in trade union matters and likewise, trade unions are not to interfere in Labour administration unless as provided by the laws and principles of tripartism. Trade Unions are not mandated to dictate to the government on appointment of public officials such as Permanent Secretaries, Director Generals, Director, as such appointments are within the purview of government functionalities. How will a trade union fare if the government starts dictating on who and how they elect their executives.
“Non-Reportage has been a bane on sincerely conducted social dialogue and negotiations as the majority of the workers’ population are left with no information, under-information and most often misinformation. At this point, I enjoin the Confederation of Trade Unions’ leaderships to always be bold to inform the affiliates of the true state of Labour Laws even when it is not in their favour. It will help in avoiding mistakes and mis-steps.
He further enjoined the NLC to ensure implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) 2010 by State Governments, asserting that “This has resulted to many workers not being covered by the ECA Act for injuries and even deaths sustained in the place or course of employment. The NLC should remedy this situation as the welfare of workers is one of the cardinal functions of Trade Unions including the Confederations. In this regard, it should be noted that the PENCOM Act 2014 makes it mandatory for all employers to give Insurance Cover for workers employed by them.”
Ngige further commended the out going President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, for his land mark achievements, saying, “This Executive has excelled in the area of investments both in human capital development and physical structures such as in real estate.”
The NLC will on Wednesday, make known the new president of the Congress, arising from the outcome of the delegates conference.
