The Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has emphasized that the Federal Government lacks the power to impose a minimum wage on states, local governments, and the private sector.
She made this call on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
“Remember that when ₦18,000 minimum wage was agreed upon, certain states couldn’t pay. After that, ₦30,000 minimum wage, some states couldn’t pay as we speak. So, it’s not something you decide for people… the Federal Government does not have that power to impose.
“The Federal Government takes into cognisance that it’s the tripartite committee that would also ensure that if Mr A agrees to pay, he has to pay,” the Minister explained.
This statement comes amidst ongoing negotiations between the government and organized labour over a new minimum wage.
“The Federal Government takes into cognisance that it’s the tripartite committee that would also ensure that if Mr A agrees to pay, he has to pay,” the Minister explained.
This statement comes amidst ongoing negotiations between the government and organized labour over a new minimum wage.
The Minister highlighted the challenges faced by states in implementing previous minimum wage agreements. She noted that when the ₦18,000 minimum wage was agreed upon, some states struggled to pay.
Similarly, with the current ₦30,000 minimum wage, some states are still yet to pay. Onyejeocha stressed that the government cannot impose a minimum wage on these entities, as it is not within its jurisdiction.