FG takes minimum wage discussions to the public sphere across geopolitical zones

In the news, ongoing talks on the new national minimum wage will take a break from the boardroom. On Thursday, the discussions will be taken to the public for the contribution of professionals and other Nigerians. Six cities across the geo-political zones will host discussions to enable Nigerians from all walks of life to contribute to the proposal. The Federal Government in January constituted a 37-member Tripartite Committee to negotiate and agree on the new minimum wage. The committee is made up of federal and state officials as well as private sector players. Thursday’s discussion will take place in Yola, North-East; Kano, North-West; Abuja, North-Central; Uyo, South-South; Enugu, South-East, and Lagos, South-West. The Ministry of Finance said yesterday that the essence of the meetings is to gather diverse perspectives and recommendations. The Southwest zonal public hearing will be held in Lagos at the LTV Blue Roof Arena in Ikeja. It will be chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun. Expected at the event are government officials, business leaders, labour union leaders, and the public. A diverse panel will lead the discussions. Among them is Osun State Governor Adeleke Ademola (representing state governments). Adeleke is a representative of the governors on the minimum wage tripartite committee. Employers will be represented by Omo-Lamai Grace (manufacturers association) and Muhammed Nura (Small and Medium Enterprises). Labour will be represented by Adeyanju Adewale (Nigeria Labour Congress) and Shuaibu Afusatu (Trade Union Congress). They will be joined by the Minister of State Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. The Tripartite Committee will submit a recommendation on the proposed minimum wage.