Despite economy hardship in the country, 37-member tripartite committee on national minimum wage demanded the sum of N1.8 billion for its inauguration.
The leaked memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume dated 18th January requested for approval of the funds.
The memo was addressed to President Bola Tinubu, whose approval was sought for the release of the said sum.
According to the leaked memo “This memorandum seeks your approval for the following in respect of the above subject matter.
“The release of the sun of N1 billion for the purpose of the exercise. The 26th January 2024 for the inauguration of the committee. All relevant documents are thereby attached.
“The new minimum wage is expected to be ready by 1st April, 2923 according to law. Respectfully submitted for Mr. President’s consideration and approval.”
Responding to memo, President Tinubu opted to allocate N500 million for the inauguration of a 37-member tripartite committee on the national minimum wage, rejecting a proposed budget of N1.8 billion.
“While acknowledging the importance of the committee’s work, it is imperative that we exercise fiscal responsibility,” Tinubu stated.“Therefore, I have approved N500 million for the inauguration.
The Committee chaired by the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Goni Bukar Aji, is made up of members of the organised labour, the private sector and the federal and state governments.
Membership of the committee cuts across the Federal Government, state government, private sector, and organised labour.
Members of the committee from the Federal Government include Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Hon. Minister of State, Labour and Employment (Representing Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment); Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, Hon. Minister of Budget Economic Planning; Dr. (Mrs) Yemi Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, GSO. OSGF and Ekpo Nta, Esq, Chairman/CEO, NSIWC – Member/Secretary.
From the states, Alh. Mohammed Umar Bago, Governor, Niger State- representative from North Central; Sen. Bala Mohammed, Governor Bauchi State- representative from North East; Alh. Umar Dikko Radda, Governor Katsina State- representative from North West; Prof. Charles Soludo, Governor, Anambra State- representative from the South East; Sen. Ademola Adeleke, Governor, Osun State- representative from South West; Mr. Otu Bassey Edet, Governor, Cross River State- representative from South West are part of the committee.
From the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) – Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General, NECA; Mr. Chuma Nwankwo; Mr. Thompson Akpabio with also members from the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) include Asiwaju (Dr) Michael Olawale-Cole, National President; Hon. (Dr) Ahmed Rabiu, National Vice President and Chief Humphrey Ngonadi (NPOM), National Life President.
The members from the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprise (NASME) are Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima, President & Chairman of the Council; Hon. Theophilus Nnorom Okwuchukwu, Private Sector representative; Dr. Muhammed Nura Bello, Zonal Vice President, North West and also from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) are Mrs. Grace Omo-Lamai, Human Resource Director, Nigerian Breweries; Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, Director-General, MAN; Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Managing Director, Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited.
From the organised labour, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Joe Ajaero, President, NLC; Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, mni; Comrade Prince Adeyanju Adewale; Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji; Comrade Benjamin Anthony and Prof. Theophilus Ndukuba.
