Breaking: New minimum wage agreement almost ready, says Uzodimma

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, revealed that the Tripartite Committee is close to reaching a consensus on a new minimum wage, with an announcement expected soon.

Amist the marathon of 12-hour meeting on Friday, Uzodimma shared, “We had very productive discussions. As you know, this is a technical subcommittee within a larger committee. We are nearing consensus, and once we reach the plenary stage, I believe we will achieve full agreement. At that point, the media can take over. We are definitely in a better position now.”

Uzodimma clarified that the committee members have concluded their individual meetings and are now proceeding to the plenary session, where they will consolidate their decisions and arrive at a unified figure.

The organised labour previously rejected a proposal of N60,000, leading to a nationwide strike on Monday. However, the strike was suspended on Tuesday after the Federal Government pledged to increase the minimum wage beyond N60,000 as negotiations resumed.

This recent meeting, the fifth since the suspension of the strike, took place behind closed doors at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja. Notable attendees included the Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Minister of Labour and Employment (State) Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Governor Hope Uzodimma, representatives from the Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and Minister of Budget and National Planning Atiku Bagudu.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, representing the 36 state governors, has expressed reservations about the proposed minimum wage of N60,000, citing sustainability concerns. According to a statement issued by the Forum’s Acting Director of Media Affairs and Public Relations, Mrs. Halima Ahmed.

The governors appealed to the tripartite committee to negotiate a minimum wage that is both equitable and fiscally responsible.