The Federal Government has begun preliminary consultations ahead of fresh negotiations on a new national minimum wage as pressure mounts for improved earnings for Nigerian workers.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr Kamil Shoretire, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a capacity-building workshop organised for labour correspondents.
Shoretire said although the government had not fixed a timetable for the formal commencement of negotiations, background discussions were already ongoing.
“We are yet to announce the timetable for that, but background discussions are already ongoing,” he said.
He added that details of the proposals and negotiations would be made public when the process reached the appropriate stage.
“When it’s time to get the press involved in what has been proposed and what is being negotiated, it will be revealed to you,” he added.
Shoretire also disclosed that the government was engaging workers in sectors where disputes over salaries and allowances remained unresolved, including health and education.
According to him, the discussions were being fast-tracked so that agreements reached could be reflected in the 2027 budget.
The development comes amid renewed pressure from organised labour for a review of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage approved in 2024.
Workers have been calling for a new minimum wage of ₦500,000, alongside an immediate wage award and other measures to cushion the impact of rising living costs.
However, the Federal Government has not announced the amount it may propose for the new minimum wage.
Shoretire also said the existing wage award remained in place and that the government had not directed its stoppage. He further disclosed that additional incentives for workers and other citizens would be announced in the coming weeks.
About the Author
