The Federal Government of Nigeria announced on Monday that it is developing a new wage system for the civil service that will link employee salaries to productivity. Under this innovative system, workers at the same level could earn different salaries based on their individual performance.
Nasir Raji-Mustapha, Director-General of the National Productivity Centre (NPC), revealed this development during a meeting with Labour correspondents. He stated, "We are in the process of developing a productivity-led wage system that will ensure that those who are productive are rewarded for their efforts, irrespective of their grade level. Under the proposed system, employees on the same salary scale can earn different wages."
When questioned about whether organized labour supports this new wage proposal, Raji-Mustapha confirmed that labour unions are involved in the process, stating that the NLC and TUC, as critical stakeholders, are being carried along in the exercise.
Raji-Mustapha mentioned that the first phase of the study is complete, and the next step is to engage various stakeholders to gather input before presenting the final proposal to the Federal Government for consideration and possible adoption.
The NPC is also working with several international agencies to improve the productivity and skills of Nigerian workers, which in turn is expected to boost the economy. These collaborations include partnerships with the International Labour Organisation, Japanese International Cooperation Agency, the Africa Productivity Association, and Asia Productivity Association.
The NPC has also been active in promoting productivity among youths, particularly through initiatives at NYSC camps. Raji-Mustapha noted, "the NPC had resuscitated preaching and promoting productivity at the NYSC camps."
