The Federal Government has inaugurated a 37-member Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, to recommend a new minimum wage for the country.

Vice President Kashim Shettima presided over the inauguration at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The committee, chaired by the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Goni Bukar Aji, includes representatives from organized labor, the private sector, and federal and state governments.

Vice President Shettima charged the committee to ensure the timely submission of their recommendations.

In his address, Shettima emphasized the importance of establishing a decent living wage, stating, “The decision to set up the committee is a recognition of the need to ensure a decent living wage and in compliance with the existing National Minimum Wage Act of 2019, which will expire in a few months from now.”

The committee’s membership spans across various sectors, with representation from the Federal Government, state governments, private sector, and organized labor.

State governors present at the inauguration included Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and Bassey Otu of Cross River State.

Key members from the Federal Government included Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State, Labour and Employment; Wale Edun, Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget Economic Planning; Dr. Yemi Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, GSO. OSGF; and Ekpo Nta, Chairman/CEO, NSIWC – Member/Secretary.

Representatives from various states and associations, such as the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, National Association of Small and Medium Enterprise, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and organized labor including Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, were also part of the committee.

The committee’s task is to review the existing minimum wage and recommend adjustments as deemed necessary, considering factors such as economic conditions, cost of living, and other relevant considerations.