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Private Sector Urges Government for Support to Meet New N70,000 Minimum Wage
Following the recent agreement between the Federal Government and organized labor on a new minimum wage of N70,000, the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has raised concerns about its capacity to meet this financial obligation.
The workers’ union had initially accepted the increase based on President Tinubu’s assurance of government support to facilitate the transition for private sector employers.
The OPSN is now urging the Federal Government to promptly outline the specifics of the promised support to enable businesses to plan effectively. The private sector is currently grappling with substantial production costs and other financial pressures.
Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), voiced these concerns on behalf of the OPSN.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts in approving the new minimum wage, he emphasized the need for additional measures to alleviate the burden on businesses.
These measures include reversing recent increases in electricity tariffs, ensuring that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) fulfills outstanding financial commitments to companies in the productive sector, imposing a moratorium on new taxes and levies for the next five years, and providing exemptions and subsidies for imported conversion kits.
Oyerinde stressed the importance of implementing reforms that will enhance the private sector’s capacity to absorb the new wage levels.
He noted that during discussions with the National Minimum Wage Committee, the OPSN had previously expressed concerns about meeting the earlier recommended minimum wage of N62,000.
This recommendation was made with the understanding that the government would take concrete steps to mitigate the existing economic challenges facing the private sector.
The NECA Director-General underscored that the ability of the private sector to comply with the new wage demands is a critical issue that needs addressing.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that his administration’s economic reforms have helped stabilise Nigeria’s economy and placed the country on a path toward steady growth.
He said “My reforms have stabilised Nigeria’s economy and put it on a path of steady growth.”
The President added that the reforms are creating more opportunities for development across the country.
However, many Nigerians reacted online, with some questioning the impact of the reforms and saying they have yet to experience the positive effects.
Nigerian politician and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has said that he is aware many civil servants do not like him.
He shared that he understands why he is unpopular among some civil servants, explaining that funds previously spent on unnecessary conferences are now being redirected to road construction projects.
He said “Some people say conferences for corruption and I say what is that? You are going for conferences to do what? These are ways government funds are being diverted. I say put this money in this road here and the people will get the impact.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reacted to rumours claiming it has approved Adire as the new fabric for the NYSC uniform.
It can be recalled that the Federal Government recently announced plans to review the NYSC uniform, which sparked speculation online that Adire had already been selected as its replacement.
However, the government has clarified that no final decision has been made regarding the new uniform.
“I mentioned Adire during the discussion. I also mentioned Ankara. My intention was simply to cite examples of some of the proposals that have been put forward in the course of our consultations. It was not an announcement that any particular fabric has been adopted or approved to replace the current NYSC uniform.”
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