The President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo, has called on the 36 state governors to begin saving funds to pay arrears of the anticipated new minimum wage, which is expected to be implemented by August.
Osifo made this statement during a meeting with executive members of the Kogi State government, led by Comrade Onu Edoka, former Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Special Adviser to the Kogi governor on Labour Matters, at the TUC headquarters in Abuja.
Addressing Edoka’s comments that Kogi State is currently paying the N30,000 minimum wage, Osifo stressed the importance of preparing for the new minimum wage.
“On the issue of the minimum wage, we are not dwelling on the N30,000 again because we know that by the grace of God, before the end of July, maximum early August, the new minimum wage act should be in place,” he said.
Osifo highlighted that the bill should progress from submission to the National Assembly to becoming law, signed by the President. Both labor centers aim for the new minimum wage to be enacted by the end of July. “The plight of the workers will improve significantly, helping them cope with the current economic challenges and inflation,” Osifo added.
He urged state governors to prioritize setting aside funds to meet the new wage obligations. He mentioned Nasarawa State as an example, noting their proactive steps in this regard, and encouraged Kogi State to follow suit despite revenue challenges.
Osifo praised Kogi State for promptly paying salaries, emphasizing its positive impact on the state’s GDP. “Paying workers on time means they can purchase goods and services, stimulating the local economy,” he explained. He also called on other states to prepare for the new minimum wage implementation.
In addition, Osifo appealed to the President and the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the new national minimum wage bill.
He mentioned that labor has proposed a N250,000 minimum wage, while the government and organized private sector suggested N62,000. He urged all parties to reach a consensus to benefit workers nationwide.
Earlier, Edoka commended Kogi State for clearing 100% of salary and pension backlogs under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration, emphasizing the governor’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
Edoka noted that Kogi State ensures prompt salary payments by the 24th of each month and has implemented a 35% hazard allowance for all state health workers.