Backdate implementation of N30,000 minimum wage to April 18 – NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked the Federal government to backdate the implementation of the new national minimum wage to April 18 when it was approved.

The NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, made the demand on Wednesday in Abuja at a parade to mark the Workers’ Day.

Mr Wabba applauded Nigerian workers for their efforts and commitment towards the struggle for the new minimum wage.

He also urged the government to quickly finalise salary adjustment across the payment to civil and public servants.

Mr Wabba lamented the time wasted in arriving at the minimum wage. He said more time should not be wasted in its implementation.

President Muhammadu Buhari signed the new minimum wage bill into law on April 18, ushering in a new pay structure for Nigerian workers.

The National Assembly had passed the bill approving N30,000 as the minimum wage for workers.

At the Workers’ Day celebration in Abuja, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said the Federal Government is committed to the implementation of the national minimum wage.

Mr Osinbajo said the government will provide an enabling environment for the Nigerian workers and improve their quality of living.

“We are more committed to protecting human rights and changing the health sector,” he said.

His remarks were against the backdrop of the opposition by state governors to the minimum wage. Many of them said they cannot pay their workers N30,000 as minimum wage.

However, some state governors, including the governors of Bauchi, Ondo and Adamawa said they will implement the new minimum wage.