The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has announced that the new minimum wage will undergo a review in less than two years.
Onyejeocha made the statement on Thursday in Umuahia, following a meeting with labor leaders in Abia State.
She emphasized that President Bola Tinubu is committed to his promise to Nigerian workers, ensuring that the minimum wage will be reviewed in less than three years.
“We are not going to allow minimum wage review to be forever. It used to be about five years, but now, in three years’ time, which is less than two years, we will also review the minimum wage,” she stated.
Onyejeocha reassured workers that President Tinubu remains deeply concerned about their welfare and will honor his promises.
“It has been said and it has been documented,” she added, referencing the President’s earlier approval of a N70,000 minimum wage in July 2024 with the commitment for regular reviews.
The Minister, who is from Abia State, explained that her meeting with labor leaders was an opportunity to wish them well after her holidays and to reaffirm the importance of peace and stability in the workforce. “Labor is an integral part of the government that should help ensure stability and peace, not just at the workplace, but also in the country,” she said. She urged the leaders to work towards a strike-free year, emphasizing that peaceful collaboration would lead to higher productivity.
The Abia Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr. Ogbomna Okoro, commended Onyejeocha’s efforts and expressed the body’s pride in her leadership, pledging support and collaboration. Earlier, the Minister held a roundtable discussion with the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, where she outlined key federal government policies and sought their input and support.
