…. Urges Implementation of New N70,000 Minimum Wage
The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has clarified that the recently introduced N35,000 wage award should not be mistaken for or considered a substitute for the new N70,000 minimum wage that was recently passed into law.
This clarification was made by NLC Lagos State Chairman, Funmi Sessi, during a statement in Lagos on Friday. The congress expressed concern over a statement from an unspecified commission claiming that the state was already paying more than the prescribed N70,000 minimum wage to its employees.
The NLC emphasized the need for a new wage structure, starting from the approved N70,000, to be developed. This structure should reflect the various cadres and salary grade levels of all categories of workers in the state’s public service, including corresponding allowances.
The congress called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to constitute a wage committee to ensure the immediate implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage across all categories of public servants in the state.
The NLC commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to the welfare of workers, noting that Lagos State was the first to implement the N35,000 wage award as a palliative for public servants in the country. However, the congress stressed that the N35,000 palliative should not be considered part of the workers’ earned income, as it does not reflect on their allowances.
Furthermore, the NLC urged private sector employers to adhere to the provisions of the new minimum wage law, emphasizing that the welfare of workers, who are the lifeline of any business, should be prioritized. The congress also called on government agencies responsible for ensuring compliance with the new minimum wage to be proactive and fearless in enforcing the law.
