The Nigeria Labour Congress has put forward a proposal for a new minimum wage, suggesting N485,000 as the benchmark. This proposal was presented during the North West Public hearing on the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.
According to Kabir Inuwa, the Kano State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, representing the North West Leadership of the Congress, the proposed minimum wage of N485,000 is necessary given the dynamics of the national economy. He emphasized, “It is imperative to propose a new minimum wage that reflects the cost of living and ensures a decent standard of living for workers.”
Inuwa highlighted the comprehensive factors taken into consideration in arriving at the proposed figure: “The proposed new minimum wage per month should be determined through a comprehensive assessment of the current economic conditions, inflation rates, and the basic needs of workers and their families.”
Echoing the sentiment of the NLC, he emphasized the necessity for any minimum wage to meet the essential needs of workers and their families: “The congress is of the opinion that for any minimum wage to achieve its purpose it must reflect the realities of the economic situation and accordingly assess the least income that would be sufficient for the survival of a family of six.”
According to Inuwa, the estimated Monthly Expenditure per Household (comprising father, mother, and four children) serves as a guideline for setting the proposed minimum wage.
In concluding remarks, Inuwa pointed out that the Minimum Wage Act provides adequate protection to ensure compliance with the proposed wage structure.
