In a move to ensure that states, local governments, and the private sector comply with the approved minimum wage, the National Assembly has initiated plans to seize the allocations of defaulting states and local governments. This decisive action aims to put an end to the persistent defaulting in the payment of the minimum wage, which has been a long-standing issue in the country.
According to sources, the National Assembly is set to include a clause in the new minimum wage bill that will impose clear sanctions on defaulters. This move is geared towards ensuring that all employers, including states, local governments, and private sector organizations, adhere to the approved minimum wage.
The Senate Spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed that lawmakers will expedite the passage of the Wage Award Bill once it is received from President Bola Tinubu. The President had promised to forward the bill to the National Assembly soon, as stated in his Democracy Day broadcast on Wednesday.
The minimum wage debate has been a contentious issue, with labor unions demanding N250,000 and the federal government offering N62,000, which the unions have rejected as a “starvation wage.” The National Assembly’s bold move is seen as a significant step towards resolving this impasse and ensuring that workers receive a fair wage.
By seizing the allocations of defaulting states and local governments, the National Assembly aims to demonstrate its commitment to enforcing the minimum wage law and protecting the rights of workers. This move is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s labor landscape, as it will compel employers to prioritize the welfare of their employees.
