The Nigeria Labour Congress has proposed N485,000 as the new minimum wage for workers.
The proposal is contained in a position paper presented on Thursday [today] at the North West Public hearing on the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.
The presentation was made by the Kano State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Kabir Inuwa, on behalf of the North West Leadership of the Congress.
He said the proposed minimum wage of N485,000 was necessary considering the dynamics of the national economy.
“It is imperative to propose a new minimum wage that reflects the cost of living and ensures a decent standard of living for workers.
“The proposed new minimum wage per month should be determined through a comprehensive assessment of the current economic conditions, inflation rates, and the basic needs of workers and their families.
“The congress is of the opinion that for any minimum wage to achieve its purpose it must reflect the realities of the economic situation and accordingly asses the least income that would be sufficient for the survival of a family of six,” Inuwa said.
According to him, the estimated Monthly Expenditure per Household (comprising father, mother and four children).
The NLC Boss noted that the Minimum Wage Act has given all the protection required to ensure compliance.
“This may be initiated by an individual or trade unions. The lack of awareness of the existing laws constitutes rampant contravention of the law most especially by some state and local governments.
“If the labour unions can initiate a mechanism to explore the provision of the law, would record minimum defaults.”
He, therefore, stressed the need for the intervention of the Federal Government to ensure compliance by withholding all allocations to any State or public institutions that contravened the minimum wage law.
“The removal of fuel subsidy and Forex policy came at a time when Nigeria’s minimum wage is matured for review. The attendant effect of the current economic hardship propelled by hyperinflation renders workers vulnerable.
“The North West geo-political zone of Nigeria is facing a series of economic challenges due to banditry, high level of unemployment and hyperinflation.
“It is evident that the majority of people in the zone are affected by the recent removal of fuel subsidy and forex policy. Farmers find it difficult to irrigate their farms due to the cost of petrol. Prices of fertilizer are beyond the purchasing power of peasant farmers.
“To ensure that the minimum wage remains relevant and responsive to economic changes, a mechanism for regular review is essential. It is proposed that the minimum wage should be reviewed every two years taking into account inflation rates, cost of living adjustments, and other relevant economic indicators.
He suggested that the review mechanism should involve consultations with labour unions, government representatives, and economic experts to ensure a fair and transparent process.
Governors from the Northwest Zone were absent at the venue of the public hearing.
Only the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, sent representation, while the host governor was represented by his deputy, Abdulssalam Gwarzo.
