The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has appealed to the federal government to prompt the tripartite committee on the national minimum wage to reach a final decision. NECA expressed concerns about the prolonged delay in reconvening the committee, stating that it is generating agitation and mistrust among various stakeholders.
In a statement, NECA President Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde highlighted the unrest between organized labor and certain state governors resulting from the committee’s inactivity.
The tripartite committee last convened a month ago, and the proposed N615,000 minimum wage put forth by the National Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has failed to convince the state governors, leading to further agitation.
Oyerinde emphasized the importance of maintaining calm and awaiting the tripartite committee’s final decision, which will consider all relevant factors discussed in previous meetings.
He advised that any wage increase should adhere to the parameters outlined in the ILO Minimum Wage Fixing Convention 131 of 1970, taking into account the needs of workers and their families, as well as economic factors. NECA urged the federal government to expedite the committee’s deliberations to address the brewing tensions and restore trust among stakeholders.