The Federal Government has assured workers that it will settle the outstanding N35,000 wage award arrears and has resumed the payment of the wage award. The government has also reaffirmed its dedication to addressing issues related to the National Minimum Wage agreement reached with Organised Labour in 2023.
During separate meetings with the leaderships of the Trade Union Congress and Congress of University Academics on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, conveyed the government’s commitment to implementing agreements with trade unions.
Onyejeocha emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with key trade unions. She highlighted the intention to strengthen labor relations, prevent potential strikes, and actively contribute to fostering a harmonious and amicable work environment for all employees.
The minister acknowledged the challenges faced by trade unions and clarified that her visit aimed not only to reiterate the government’s readiness for collaboration but also to keep communication channels open.
“I am here specifically to reassure you that we have not forgotten about the agreements between the government and trade unions. Thank God that you have confirmed that the federal government has started paying the N35,000 wage award and I can assure you that the payment is on course and the outstanding will be paid within a short period,” she said.
Onyejeocha said, “I know that the President is focused on making sure that the issue of a new national minimum wage is addressed. The government will ensure that the committee starts working in earnest.
“I do not want to wait for any stakeholder to start agitating, that is why I have come to remind you that I am aware of those agreements, and we are working round the clock to make sure they are fulfilled. If there is any that we cannot fulfil now, including the past ones, we will continue our engagements on them.”
She commended the leadership of TUC for having faith in the government and assured the union of the government’s continued readiness to listen to them, as well as partner with them for the greater good of the people.
Previously, it was reported by The PUNCH that Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, put forth a suggestion for a wage adjustment to be granted to the Federal Government as a measure to alleviate the impacts of the fuel subsidy removal.
The Labour Unions and the Federal Government under President Bola Tunubu’s led administration had agreed to the payment of an N35,000 wage award for lower cadre workers for the next six months to cushion the effect of the removal of subsidy.
Speaking, the President of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Festus Osifo, commended the government for some of the major steps taken so far, specifically for fulfilling up to 80 per cent of the agreement with the management of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, and urged the government the fulfil the remaining 20 per cent of that agreement.
“We are not a union that waits for the government to fail to hold it to ransom. That is why we keep engaging,” Osifo said.
