The Nigerian Government and the Labour Union have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a new minimum wage of ₦70,000.
The agreement was announced in a statement from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, signed by Eno Olotu, Head of Information and Public Relations. It confirms that the new minimum wage will take effect on July 29, 2024.
This agreement is part of the resolutions reached during the committee meeting in Abuja on Friday, which was chaired by Didi Walson-Jack, Head of Civil Service of the Federation. The committee also recommended that the wage award previously discontinued by the Federal Government be paid until July 28, 2024.
Walson-Jack acknowledged the challenging economic conditions in the country that informed the committee’s decisions and commended the members for their diligent efforts. She stated, “Both the Trade Union and the Government sides have agreed on the consequential adjustments in salaries arising from the new minimum wage of ₦70,000.”
All members of the committee signed the MoU, with copies handed over to representatives from both sides. Walson-Jack characterized this negotiation as the shortest and most amicable in recent history, noting that the signed MoU would be forwarded to the Federal Government for further action.
In his remarks, Comrade Benjamin Anthony, National Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council representing the Trade Union, expressed his appreciation for the work done by the committee and the progress made in these negotiations.