By Uzair Adam
The Committee on Consequential Adjustments in Salaries for Civil Servants met on Friday to discuss the new minimum wage template and concluded that the effective date for implementation would be July 29, 2024.
This decision was outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) issued after the meeting in Abuja, which was seen by our correspondent.
The Committee, led by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, also recommended that the wage award, which had been discontinued by the government, should be paid up to July 28, 2024.
In explaining the decision, the Committee noted that the government considered the country’s economic situation before finalizing these recommendations.
The MOU stated the need for the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to create appropriate salary templates for other salary structures.
It further stated that the Federal Government should take measures to alleviate the challenges faced by workers due to the recent increase in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), including considering tax waivers and other incentives.
However, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have criticized the decision to backdate the implementation of the new minimum wage. Benson Upah, Head of Information for the NLC, described the move as unfair and unacceptable.
Timmy Etim, the National Vice President of the TUC, expressed disappointment.
He recalled that the Minister of State for Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, had promised workers on May Day that the new minimum wage would take effect from May 1, 2024, and said it was unfair for the government to change that commitment.
“The government should have stayed true to its word. Deviating from May is already questionable, but backdating it to July is particularly unfair given the economic challenges,” Etim stated.