NASS proposes laws on mandatory payment of new minimum wage

Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, has disclosed that the National Assembly is currently in the process of developing legislation to guarantee that all 36 states rigorously comply with the forthcoming minimum wage law.

Senator Adaramodu underscored the importance of this legislation during an interview in Abuja on Friday, given the ongoing negotiations between the federal government and organised labour regarding the new minimum wage.

While the federal government has proposed N62,000 as the new minimum wage, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are advocating for N250,000.

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed concerns over the feasibility of the proposed federal figure, citing potential financial strain on some states.

Senator Adaramodu outlined that the proposed legislation aims to enforce compliance across states and sectors, including penalties for non-compliance. He emphasized the National Assembly’s commitment to swiftly passing the bill once it is presented by the executive, contingent upon consensus between the federal government and labor unions.

He noted, “Once there is agreement, the bill will come and we are poised to pass it promptly for the benefit of Nigerian workers.”

The Senator assured that the legislative process would involve inputs from various stakeholders, including organised labour , to ensure a comprehensive and effective framework for implementing the new minimum wage.