September 13, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has said it won’t accept any responsibility for the delayed implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who stated this position on Friday, blamed the delay on the failure of the committee to finalise figures for consequential adjustment for implementation of the new wage.
She, however, said there was hope as separate meetings were ongoing by the government and the tripartite committee.
“As we speak, there’s a meeting on the government side this morning on the new minimum wage and consequential adjustment and by 2pm, the tripartite are meeting with the Head of Service. Once they get what we are supposed to pay, they will start paying.
“We will not take responsibility for why the figures have been delayed because, on the day we pass it, they are supposed to have gone ahead and constitute the committee and then have a figure, because it doesn’t take rocket science to have figures of what we should really give. So, I believe that one is something that will happen as soon as possible,” she said.
THEWILL reports that Onyejeocha spoke on Friday, at a Town Hall engagement with organised labour and employers on “Imperatives of the Eight Point Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s Administration,” in Abuja.
On the current petrol price hike, the Minister said President Tinubu was aware of the situation and equally affected by the fuel price.
“The President is aware of the hardship that the increase in petrol pump price has meted on Nigerians in the last few days. It has brought hardship even to himself. The President is a human being. Let me tell you how it affects him; when he comes out, there are no vehicles and sometimes they don’t get enough money to buy fuel. It affects everyone, to be honest.
“So, I plead with all of us to show more understanding and know that when one is down everybody is down. There is nobody that is affected and that is why we should all put our hands and our heads, everything together under one roof to find a way forward that will bring meaningful results to the nation. I pray you show more understanding,” she said.
Speaking further, the Minister noted that in an effort to achieve the administration’s mantra, Renewed Hope Agenda, Unity and Progress for all Nigerians, the Ministry was saddled with the task of ensuring decent work in all sectors of the economy and maintaining industrial peace and harmony in workplaces across the nation, which is a prerequisite for national growth and development to ensure the success of at least 6 out of the 8 points in the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I, therefore, make no excuses as this Government of APC is determined and committed to tackling headlong all socio-economic ills that have troubled our nation and we shall, by the grace of God Almighty, evolve solutions to emerging threats to our well-being as a nation.
“Recognising this, the Federal Government has sought and continues to seek to collaborate with policymakers, in this case, both employers and workers representatives who make development possible by generating and sustaining the momentum so that together we can attain enviable heights of progress in our beloved country,” she added.
On his part, Central Bank Governor (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, noted that the decision to remove the fuel subsidy was necessary for the nation’s growth and development.
Represented by Omolola Adegbenga, he urged Nigerians to show more understanding with the current administration, bearing in mind that things would get better in the near future.
“These decisions are important for the progress of our country. The decision by President Tinubu has had severe effects and challenges but at the end of every storm, there shall be calm and I believe there will be calm for Nigerians. It’s not a coincidence that the theme of Mr. President’s administration is Renewed Hope.
“CBN is committed to supporting President Tinubu in achieving the 8-point agenda. Every activity of the CBN is committed to Nigeria’s growth. While we may be facing challenges, I believe with every organ contributing its quota, we shall be able to achieve those goals,” said Cardoso.
