The Federal Government has assured workers that many states will fully implement the new national minimum wage by January 2025.
This assurance was given by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, during a meeting with the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCN) delegation in Abuja.
Dingyadi explained that while most states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are on track to implement the new wage structure, a few states have yet to fully comply.
He appealed for patience from the workers, noting that his ministry was still assessing the level of compliance in each state, as the process was still in its early stages.
“Many states are set to implement it in January,” Dingyadi confirmed. “The FCT has also agreed to comply, but the FCT chapter insists on immediate implementation, which I believe is not entirely fair.”
The Minister emphasized that the government was committed to addressing concerns raised by the workers and would continue to engage with unions for a peaceful resolution of any issues.
Implementation Progress and Delays
According to Dingyadi, while many states have already started implementing the new wage, about four or five states have not yet fully adhered to the policy. Some states have only partially implemented the wage, while others are still in the process of finalizing the details.
“We are monitoring the situation and will ensure that the new wage is fully implemented in all states,” he assured. “However, we must ask for understanding and patience, as these processes take time.”
The FCT administration, which includes the capital city of Abuja, has committed to meeting the new minimum wage requirements by January 2025. However, the ASCN’s FCT chapter has called for the wage increase to be implemented immediately.
“Your insistence on an immediate implementation is something we will look into,” Dingyadi said in response to the demands from the FCT chapter. “But as it stands, January is the agreed-upon date for full compliance.”
Government’s Commitment to Addressing Concerns
During the meeting, Dingyadi also addressed other issues raised by the ASCN, including the non-remittance of union check-off dues by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.
The ASCN president, Comrade Shehu Mohammed, highlighted several challenges faced by the union, including delays in the payment of dues and concerns about the operations of federal agencies.
“I urge the ASCN to provide a detailed list of the non-compliant agencies so that we can address these issues directly,” Dingyadi said, acknowledging the union’s concerns.
He also assured the union leaders that the Ministry of Labour and Employment would thoroughly examine the issues raised and work towards amicable resolutions.
Reaffirming Commitment to Labour Relations
Dingyadi took the opportunity to thank the ASCN delegation for their visit and for congratulating him on his reappointment as Minister of Labour. He emphasized that his ministry was committed to fostering peace and stability within the labour sector.
“My doors are always open to trade unions,” he said. “We will continue to work together to address workers’ issues and improve the overall labour environment in Nigeria.”
The Minister further urged union leaders to adopt constructive approaches to resolving conflicts, advocating for open dialogue and roundtable discussions to address grievances.
“We can achieve more through peaceful discussions and mutual understanding,” he added. “It is important that we work together for the good of the nation.”
Union’s Praise for Government Efforts
Earlier in the meeting, ASCN President Shehu Mohammed had praised the Ministry of Labour for its efforts in reforming trade unions and improving industrial relations in Nigeria.
He commended the Ministry’s oversight of trade unions, noting that it had helped streamline operations and improve transparency in union activities.
“Under your leadership, Minister, we have seen significant improvements in how unions operate,” Mohammed said. “This is an opportunity to further enhance industrial relations across the country.”
However, he also urged Dingyadi to intervene in the non-remittance of the union’s check-off dues, which he described as a serious issue affecting the operations of unions.
“We hope that the Ministry will take immediate action to ensure that our dues are properly remitted,” Mohammed said.
Looking Ahead: January 2025 Deadline
With just a few weeks left until January 2025, all eyes are on the various state governments and the Federal Capital Territory to ensure that the new minimum wage is fully implemented.
The new wage, which was agreed upon by the federal government and worker unions, is expected to lift millions of workers across the country.
For now, the federal government has assured that progress is being made, and most states are expected to comply by the deadline. However, with a few holdouts remaining, the Ministry of Labour will continue to monitor and assess compliance.
“The commitment to a fair wage for all workers is unwavering,” Dingyadi said. “We will ensure that the promises made to Nigerian workers are kept, and that implementation is carried out smoothly.”
