FG to monitor implementation of national minimum wage

The federal government would, from January 2023, begin monitoring the implementation of the national minimum wage across the country.

Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Ekpo Nta, disclosed this at a one-day sensitisation workshop organised by the commission for field officers monitoring the implementation of the National Minimum Wage Act 2019.

Nta, who was represented by Dr. Mojisola Yaya Kolade, said the monitoring exercise would have been done earlier, but for funds constraints.

He charged the field officers to take advantage of the workshop to learn what to look out for when the exercise begins while calling on ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to cooperate with the monitoring team.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, said the Federal Government was committed to providing a decent work environment for Nigerian workers.

Ngige, who was represented at the event by his special assistant, Mrs. Clara Dike, said decent work remains a key to the government’s quest for a national minimum wage.

“The Federal Government fully aligns with the sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly goals 8 and 10, which are central to a decent work environment.

“These two goals respectively address sustained inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.”

The Minister said complying with the National Minimum Wage Act 2019 was a sure way to ensure that workers are not short-changed and that productivity is not endangered.