Human rights activist Femi Falana, SAN, reacted to the recent development by stating that the national minimum wage of N30,000, fixed by the National Minimum Wage Act 2019, has expired.
According to the Act, the wage is reviewed every five years. Since the Act began on April 18, 2019, the wage has been due for review.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, announced that the new national minimum wage would take effect on May 1, 2024.
However, following the removal of fuel subsidy, the Federal Government introduced a wage subsidy of N35,000 for six months, starting from September 1, 2023. This increased the total monthly wage to N65,000.
Some state governments, such as Lagos and Edo, have also introduced higher minimum wages, with Lagos setting it at N70,000.
However, the Federal Government has offered a lower wage of N48,000, leading to an indefinite strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.
Leaders of the National Assembly have intervened in the strike, and Falana urged the National Assembly to pass a new National Minimum Wage Act quickly, similar to the new National Anthem Act that was enacted within 48 hours.
