The Nigerian Federal Government has announced plans to conduct Public Hearings to reassess the Minimum Wage across all six geopolitical zones of the country. This initiative aims to gather input and recommendations from various stakeholders to formulate a fair and sustainable minimum wage policy.
Mrs. Helen Chukwu, the Head of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Finance, disclosed this information in a statement released in Abuja. The series of hearings will kick off in the South West region, with Lagos hosting the inaugural event on Thursday. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, will preside over this session.
Subsequent hearings are scheduled to take place in the North-East (Yola), North-West (Kano), North-Central (Abuja), South-South (Uyo), and South-East (Enugu) regions. These sessions aim to solicit insights and recommendations from stakeholders to ensure that the minimum wage policy reflects the diverse perspectives and considerations of different regions.
In Lagos, Mr. Edun will be joined by Governor Adeleke Ademola of Osun State, representing the interests of state governments. Also present will be representatives from key stakeholders, such as Omo-Lamai Grace from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and Muhammed Nura from the Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, providing perspectives from the employer’s side.
Representatives from organized labour, including Adeyanju Adewale (NLC) and Shuaibu Afusatu (TUC), will also participate in the hearings. Additionally, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Onyejeocha Nkeiruka, will be in attendance to contribute to the discussions.
Mrs. Chukwu emphasized that these hearings are crucial for establishing a fair and sustainable national minimum wage that aligns with Nigeria’s economic realities and aspirations. By engaging with stakeholders from across the country, the government aims to ensure that the minimum wage policy reflects the needs and concerns of all sectors of society.
