The federal government promised to resolve the obstacles to enacting a new national minimum wage, stating that the committee for wage negotiation will shortly begin work.
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the minister of state for labor and employment, stated as much yesterday during a courtesy visit to the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) headquarters.
Olajide Oshundun, the ministry’s director of publicity and public relations, stated in a statement that President Bola Tinubu is committed to making sure the new wage’s concerns are taken care of.
“I don’t want to wait for any interested parties to become agitated. I have come to remind you of these agreements because of this, and we are working nonstop to ensure that they are carried out. We will continue to meet our obligations on any that we are unable to complete right now, including those from the past.
Onyejeocha insisted that the government recognizes the hardships faced by the trade unions and stated that the purpose of her visit was to preserve open lines of communication as well as to reaffirm the government’s willingness for cooperation.
She declared: “My purpose in being here is to reassure you that the accords between the government and trade unions are still very much in mind. Thank heavens for your confirmation that the N35,000 salary award has been paid by the federal government. I promise that the remaining amount would be paid shortly. The payment is proceeding as planned.”
She expressed gratitude to the TUC leadership for their belief in the administration and gave them assurances that the union would always be open to speaking with them and working together for the benefit of all citizens.
Comrade Festus Osifo, the TUC President, expressed gratitude to the Minister for her considerate and timely visit, noting that it would significantly contribute to the development of mutual trust and understanding between the union and the government.
He asked the government to meet the remaining 20% of the agreement with the management of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and he praised the government for some of the significant actions made thus far, particularly for fulfilling up to 80% of the agreement.
We do not operate as a union that waits for the government to stop extorting money from us. We continue interacting because of this, Osifo stated.
Earlier, at the discussion with CONUA leadership, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with unions and providing satisfactory resolutions to their problems.
With continuing government understanding and dedication, CONUA Chairman Niyi Sunmonu, who presented several topics he said needed immediate government implementation, expressed optimism for a future free of strikes.
