FEC steps down memo, opts for more consultations

…Passage shouldn’t linger beyond July – TUC

BY IHESIULO GRACE & UKPONO UKPONG

In order to conduct a thorough consultation on the amount that should be paid as the new minimum wage for employees in the public sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that he needs more time.

When the issue was brought up for discussion at the Federal Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, the President provided the justification.

This was disclosed on Tuesday by Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, at a briefing with State House correspondents.

He noted that the memo was rescinded because the Federal Government decided it was prudent to confer with other interested parties, particularly given that the new wage recommendations have an impact on states, local governments, and the federal government.

According to the minister “Many people have been asking me questions about whether the New Minimum salary would be discussed at the FEC today, particularly about whether the government would take a stance on the new salary.

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“Recall that there was a report from the tripartite committee that discussed the new minimum wage. This committee was made up of the government representatives, the organized private sector, and the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress. The President received a report from them, which he has reviewed.

“However, in keeping with the proper procedure, I would want to notify Nigerians that the FEC gave it some thought, as the new national minimum wage is not just the Federal government’s choice.

“That memo was rescinded to allow Mr. President to continue consulting and establish an educated opinion on what steps to take.

“Because it has an impact on the States, LG, and the Federal Government, this decision was made.”

Additionally, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) will be able to operate more efficiently thanks to the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which met on Tuesday under the direction of President Bola Tinubu. The FEC approved the purchase of 33 Mikano CNG-powered cars for N1.99 billion.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, briefed press on the approval.

The minister stated, “Council considered and approved the procurement of 33 Mikano motor vehicles powered by CNG to boost the operation of NDLEA.”

Fagbemi went on to say that in order to bolster the war on drugs, the Council had also approved the purchase of weapons and ammunition.

He made a suggestion that the ammo would cost $1.442 billion to purchase.

Fagbemi went on to say that two body scanner systems worth N985 million would be purchased and installed at the International Airport and in Abuja.

In a related development, President Bola Tinubu has been called to ensure that the lingering issues surrounding the passage of the new minimum wage is addressed to give way for it to be enacted into law before the end of next month, July.

The President, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo, made the call yesterday while granting audience to a delegation from Kogi State government led by the Special Adviser on Labour Matters to the Kogi State Governor, Onuh Edoka, in Abuja.

Osifo said that the enactment of the new minimum wage was the only viable way to alleviate the harsh living conditions faced by many Nigerians as occasioned by yhe removal of fuel subsidy.

He stressed the necessity for the national tripartite negotiation committee, which includes government, labour, and organized private sector representatives, to reach an agreement swiftly, noting that this consensus is crucial for the bill to receive prompt attention from President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly.

“What we are working on from both labour centres is that before the end of July, we should have a new minimum wage that has passed through the processes and been assented to by the President,” Osifo stated. This, he believes, will significantly improve workers’ conditions.

Osifo pointed out that the new minimum wage would help workers cope with the country’s economic challenges, particularly the high inflation rate. He stressed that an increased wage would enable workers to afford basic necessities for their families.

The TUC has proposed a minimum wage of 250,000 Naira, while the government and organized private sector have suggested 62,000 Naira. Osifo called for all parties to come together and resolve these differences to present a unified front, facilitating the President’s submission of the bill to the National Assembly.

He commended the Kogi State government for its commitment to the current 30,000 Naira minimum wage and urged other states to start preparing for the new wage’s implementation. Osifo pointed to Nassarawa State’s proactive approach as an example for others to follow.

Osifo appealed to state governments to prioritize the new minimum wage despite revenue constraints. He assured that the TUC is ready to ensure compliance with the new law across all states once it is enacted.

Expressing confidence in the Kogi State government’s ability to implement the new wage, Osifo noted that effective management of the related adjustments would ultimately benefit workers. He urged the state to do the needful once the wage is implemented.

Earlier, Onuh Edoka praised Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration for addressing the welfare issues left unresolved by the previous administration. He highlighted the government’s labour-friendly initiatives and sought TUC’s support to improve Kogi State’s image.

Edoka noted that past administrations faced protests over labour issues, but the current government has fostered a cooperative relationship with labour unions. He emphasized the government’s commitment to paying the 30,000 Naira minimum wage, contrary to negative reports.

He concluded by commending Governor Ododo’s efforts to restore the state’s image and improve workers’ conditions.

Edoka urged continued support for these initiatives, expressing optimism for the government’s ongoing efforts.