FG to review minimum wage in less than 2 years

• Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, disclosed that the federal government commits to reviewing the minimum wage in less than two years
• Onyejeocha calls for a strike-free year, urging labour leaders to work in partnership with the government for peace and productivity
• Abia Nigeria Labour Congress Chairman, Ogbomna Okoro, praises Onyejeocha’s strides in office and assures continued collaboration with her

The Federal Government has pledged to review the national minimum wage in less than two years, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, revealed during a press briefing in Umuahia, Abia State.

Addressing reporters after a meeting with labour leaders, Onyejeocha reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to improving workers’ welfare. 

She emphasised that the government would adhere to its promise of a three-year review cycle for the minimum wage.

“We are not going to allow the minimum wage review to drag on endlessly. It used to be a five-year cycle, but now, within three years—which is less than two years from now—the minimum wage will be reviewed again,” Onyejeocha stated.

Onyejeocha underscored that the promise has been documented and assured Nigerians that the President remains steadfast in fulfilling his pledges to workers.

In July 2024, President Tinubu approved a minimum wage of ₦70,000, with a commitment to review it every three years. 

The Minister highlighted that this policy reflects the administration's dedication to ensuring workers’ welfare amid economic challenges.

Onyejeocha, an indigene of Abia State, held the meeting as part of her holiday visit to her home state. 

She described the labour leaders as her “constituents” and urged them to collaborate with the government to foster stability and peace in workplaces and across the country.

“I reminded them that a strike-free year would enable us to work productively in partnership with the government. Stability is key to achieving economic growth and improved welfare for all,” she said.

The Abia State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ogbomna Okoro, praised Onyejeocha for her efforts since assuming office. 

He assured her of continued collaboration, describing her as a source of pride to the labour movement.

Earlier, Onyejeocha held a roundtable discussion with the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, where she explained various Federal Government policies. 

The engagement aimed to ensure that traditional leaders understand and support the administration’s initiatives.

Onyejeocha emphasised the importance of integrating traditional institutions into national development efforts as a royal family member.

Tinubunomics: FG’s promises to reduce food price hike yet to take effect months after

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the federal government announced some policies to help cushion the effect of high food prices while also addressing food security gaps.

These include the 150-day import duty-free policy, the sale of 50kg of rice at N40,000 and the distribution of 740 trucks of rice to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

However, months after these policies were announced, they are yet to take effect.