The Nigerian Senate has pledged to promptly consider the proposed new minimum wage bill from the Executive arm of the government, with the aim of enhancing the welfare of Nigerian workers and fostering industrial harmony in the country. Senator Diket Plang, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour, and Productivity, made this commitment in a statement released in Abuja.
Senator Plang emphasized the Senate’s dedication to improving the living conditions of workers and addressing poverty in Nigeria. He commended the Federal Government and Organized Labour for their efforts in initiating the necessary processes to review the current minimum wage, as outlined in the memorandum of understanding signed by the negotiating parties.
In his statement, Senator Plang stated, “The Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity under my chairmanship is prepared to give expeditious attention to the passage of a new Act, once negotiation on the matter is concluded and such bill transmitted to the National Assembly for enactment.”
While expressing satisfaction that a potential nationwide strike was averted through the recent Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Government, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Senator Plang urged all parties to uphold their agreements. He warned against reneging on any of the reached accords to ensure sustained industrial peace.
Senator Plang highlighted the committee’s commitment to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) principle of decent work. He affirmed that the committee would take legislative action to support initiatives aimed at enhancing the working conditions of Nigerian workers, including the implementation of a living wage as outlined in the decent work agenda.
