By Okon Okon
THE FEDERAL government on Thursday in Abuja inaugurated a 16-member committee on consequential adjustments in salaries to deliberate on issues arising from provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act 2024.
Inaugurating the committee, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, Head of Service of the Federation, said the decision by the government became imperative so as to maintain a fair and equitable salary structure for federal civil servants.
Walson-Jack said the decision was due to the new minimum wage of N70,000, representing 133.33% increase from the previous minimum wage of N30,000
“Consequently, there is a need to adjust the salaries of other categories of staffers, taking into consideration the consequential effect of the new minimum wage.
“To implement the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act 2024, the federal government approved the constitution of a committee on consequential adjustments in salaries comprising 16 members. This is made up of eight members each from the federal government and trade union side,” she said.
The committee on the government side chaired by Didi Walson-Jack has Chairman, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC),
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (OSGF), as members.
Others are Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office (OHCSF), Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, Secretary, National Assembly Service Commission, Secretary, Federal Judicial Service Commission.
On the labour side, the committee has Comrade Benjamin Anthony – National Chairman – JNPSNC (TUS) and National Vice President NLC, Comrade Oluwole Adeleye Sunday, National President, NCSU and National Vice President NLC, Comrade Roselyn Uba Anarah National President – NUPSRAW.
Others on labour side are Comrade Kabiru Minjibir – National President – MHWUN, Comrade Michael Nnachi – National President, NAMMN, Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga – (Ag) National Secretary – JNPSNC.
The HOS listed the terms of reference of the committee to include; to negotiate and agree on the consequential adjustments in salaries arising from the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act, 2024.
The committee would also develop the template for ease of implementation of the approved N70,000 minimum wage.
“It is crucial for us to recognise the significance of this assignment, and with a focus on maintaining industrial peace and harmony. I am confident that we will execute it in the best interests of the public service and the nation as a whole,” she said.
Comrade Benjamin Anthony, National Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, who responded on behalf of labour, thanked the government for the decision, which he described as a ‘stepping stone’ to finalise discussion on the minimum wage.
“We on the labour side wish to appreciate the government for coming up with this committee to ensure that we discuss on the consequential adjustment, to ensure payment of salaries based on the new minimum wage.
“For us we believe it is a stepping stone and we are going to work together with the government side to ensure that we bring a fair and a sincere discussion for the Nigerian workers.
“I believe that this will also consolidate our synergy with the government to continue to work together for the betterment of Nigerian workers,” he said. (NAN)
