Femi Falana, SAN, a human rights lawyer, has called on the National Assembly to quickly pass a new minimum wage law that reflects the current economic situation.
His call comes on the heels of the National Assembly’s recent swift action in passing the new National Anthem Act within 48 hours.
Falana stressed the time-sensitive nature of the situation in a statement made available to Africa Health Report (AHR) on Monday, stating that the National Minimum Wage Act 2019 has expired and requires an urgent review.
He pointed out that according to the Act, the national minimum wage was set at N30,000 and that it automatically expires after five years, necessitating a review as outlined in the Act.
He pointed out that the Act started on April 18, 2019, which means that the N30,000 minimum wage is no longer valid. Falana emphasized that the Minister of State for the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Honourable Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, announced during the last May Day rally in Abuja that the new national minimum wage would be implemented on May 1, 2024.
The call was made against the backdrop of the fuel subsidy removal last year. Following this, the Federal Government introduced an extra N35,000 wage incentive for six months, starting on September 1, 2023, which increased the total monthly wage for a worker to N65,000. Several state governments also implemented their own wage subsidies, with Lagos and Edo States declaring minimum wages of N70,000.
The proposed raise in the minimum wage to N48,000 by the Federal Government has caused dissatisfaction among the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), prompting them to initiate an indefinite strike as they believe the new minimum wage is not feasible.The Federal Government turned round to offer a minimum wage of N48,000,” Falana pointed out.
“Hence, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have embarked on an indefinite strike due to the failure of the Federal Government and other employers of employment to pay a realistic new minimum wage to Nigerian workers.”
Despite interventions by the National Assembly leaders, the NLC and TUC have remained firm in their decision to commence the strike, stating that they lack the power to call it off.
“The National Assembly should, therefore, pass speedily a new National Minimum Wage Act like the new National Anthem Act that was enacted within 48 hours, last week,” Falana urged.
