We’ll Have New Minimum Wage Before May 2024-Ngige

 Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, says all arrangements have been concluded to come up with a new minimum wage and make such public on or before May 2024 while warning organised labour and other trade unions to desist from meddling in government affairs and making  attempt to impose their will on  the government on issues especially  decisions on appointment.

Team@orientactualmags.com learned  he said this  in Abuja on Tuesday during  the Nigeria Labour Congress’ 13th National Delegates’ Conference.

He alleged that trade unions were violating the terms of the Trade Union Act which mandated that all newly elected trade union officials take required courses at the Michael Imuodu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin.

Undergoing training at the institute would according to him  help the labour leaders to gain the necessary knowledge and become seasoned Industrial Relations authorities.

‘The good story that filters out from it is that we put out an Act, a legislation that had in place an inbuilt review five years mechanism, unlike the formal Act. So, mandatorily, Nigeria will produce a new minimum wage on or before May 2024

It is acknowledged, both nationally and internationally, that government would not interfere in trade union matters and likewise, trade unions are not to interfere in labour administration unless as provided by the laws and principles of tripartism’ he said.

Ngige noted that trade unions are not mandated to dictate to the government on the appointment of public officials while urging  the NLC to ensure the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) 2010 by State Governments.

‘This has resulted in many workers not being covered by the ECA Act for injuries and even deaths sustained in the place or course of employment.

The NLC should remedy this situation as the welfare of workers is one of the cardinal functions of Trade Unions including the Confederations.

In this regard, it should be noted that the PENCOM Act 2014 makes it mandatory for all employers to give Insurance Cover for workers employed by them’ he added- Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you