On Thursday in Abuja, the Federal Government inaugurated a 16-member committee tasked with addressing salary adjustments following the implementation of the National Minimum Wage Act, 2024. The committee’s creation is part of the government’s effort to ensure a fair salary structure for federal employees after the minimum wage was raised to N70,000, marking a 133.33% increase from the previous N30,000.
Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of Service of the Federation, announced the formation of the committee, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of salary scales to align with the new minimum wage. The committee will include eight members from the federal government and eight from trade unions.
On the government side, the committee is led by Didi Walson-Jack and includes representatives such as the Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the Permanent Secretary of the General Service Office (OSGF), among others.
The labor representatives on the committee include Benjamin Anthony, National Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), and other prominent labor leaders from various unions.
The committee’s primary responsibilities will be to negotiate and agree on salary adjustments in light of the new minimum wage and to develop a framework for implementing the N70,000 minimum wage effectively.
Walson-Jack stressed the importance of the committee’s work in maintaining industrial peace and harmony, expressing confidence in the committee’s ability to act in the best interests of the public service and the nation.
Benjamin Anthony, speaking on behalf of the labor side, thanked the government for setting up the committee. He described it as a crucial step towards finalizing discussions on the minimum wage and ensuring fair salary payments.
“This committee is a significant development, and we look forward to working with the government to achieve equitable salary adjustments,” Anthony said, highlighting the collaborative spirit aimed at improving conditions for Nigerian workers.
