Labour unions have stated that the rollout of the new N70,000 minimum wage is set to start by the end of August.
This information was shared by Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, the Deputy President of the Political Commission of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
Ndubuaku explained that the slight holdup in implementing the new wage is due to procedural steps, like determining the wage adjustments across various job levels.
He guaranteed that the delay is not a purposeful move by the Federal and State Governments to avoid fulfilling the new minimum wage requirements.
He stated, “We have no reason to suspect that (deliberate delay). In a real sense, signing the wage is just a small component of the main activity. There is something we call consequential adjustment. That involves the calculation of the minimum wage from level one, step one. From there, we will move from stage one to 13 all the way to level 16.
“So it is something that may take some time. Again, they are not going to compile them alone. There are templates for compiling it. But they must also carry us along. I believe you are aware there is a committee that is supposed to carry out the necessary adjustments. We expect it should be completed before the end of the month.”
After President Bola Tinubu signed the N70,000 minimum wage bill into law, only a few states have started paying it. At the same time, some state governors have created committees to make sure the new wage is implemented.
