By Milcah Tanimu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has signaled its intent to advocate for measures that would penalize governors and local government officials failing to adhere to the newly proposed minimum wage.

Speaking to our correspondent in Abuja, Hakeem Ambali, the National Treasurer of the NLC, highlighted the absence of punitive measures in the current Minimum Wage Act of 2019 as a reason behind some state governors’ reluctance to implement the new wage standards.

The Federal Government’s 37-member committee, inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu, is set to convene this week to deliberate on reports submitted by various sub-committees representing different regions of the country. Comprising representatives from federal and state governments, the private sector, and organized labor, the committee aims to recommend a national minimum wage revision.

Ambali outlined proposed sanctions within the new minimum wage bill, aimed at ensuring compliance. These include provisions for penalties and increased allocations to local governments, thereby eliminating excuses for non-payment of the approved wage rate.

Additionally, the impending executive bill, expected to be forwarded to the National Assembly for amendment to the existing Minimum Wage Act, aims to address concerns arising from the removal of fuel subsidy.

During public hearings, different regions proposed varying minimum wage figures, with amounts ranging from N485,000 to N850,000, reflecting the diverse economic conditions across the country.