In an exclusive revelation, Hon. Nkiruika Onyejeocha, the Minister of Labor and Employment, unveiled the groundbreaking report of the Tripartite Committee on the new minimum wage submitted to President Bola Tinubu.
This report signifies a paradigm shift towards addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the Nigerian workforce.
Describing the report as more than mere recommendations, Hon. Onyejeocha emphasized that it serves as a comprehensive blueprint for actionable reforms that will usher in sustainable improvements in labor conditions nationwide.
Speaking at a one-day retreat on ‘Labor reforms and the quest for a living wage in Nigeria: A Focus on Legislative intervention,’ organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), she reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to transform the labor landscape, ensuring that every worker is treated with dignity, protected, and justly compensated.
Furthermore, Hon. Onyejeocha urged lawmakers to enact legislation that aligns with the aspirations of the labor force in all sectors, fostering productivity and growth while appropriately penalizing offenders and violators of labor laws.
The government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to create a labor market that is fair, equitable, and capable of fulfilling the dreams of every Nigerian worker.
Central to these efforts is the Tripartite Committee, comprising representatives from the government, organized private sector, and organized labor.
Their tireless engagement with stakeholders on the critical issue of a New National Minimum Wage has resulted in comprehensive submissions to President Tinubu that reflect a balanced and pragmatic approach to tackle the myriad challenges faced by the workforce.
These submissions go beyond mere recommendations; they lay the foundation for tangible reforms that will drive sustainable improvements in labor conditions across the country.
One of the pivotal initiatives undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Employment is the Labor and Employment Empowerment Program (LEEP). LEEP embodies a holistic approach to labor reform, with a specific pillar dedicated to enhancing labor compliance and reforms.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to ensure strict adherence to the highest standards of occupational health and safety by employers. By fostering a culture of compliance, the government not only safeguards the welfare of workers but also creates a business environment conducive to productivity and growth.
