The Federal Government has assured workers of its commitment to clearing outstanding arrears of the N35,000 wage award and upholding the National Minimum Wage agreement reached with organised labour in 2023.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made the pledge during separate meetings with the leaderships of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Congress of University Academics (CUA) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Oyejeocha noted that her visit was not only to reiterate the government’s readiness for partnership but also to keep the channels of communication open.
“I am here specifically to reassure you that we have not forgotten about the agreements between the government and trade unions. Thank God that you have confirmed that the federal government has started paying the N35,000 wage award and I can assure you that the payment is on course and the outstanding will be paid within a short period,” she said.
Onyejeocha said, “I know that the President is focused on making sure that the issue of a new national minimum wage is addressed. The government will ensure that the committee starts working in earnest.
“I do not want to wait for any stakeholder to start agitating, that is why I have come to remind you that I am aware of those agreements, and we are working round the clock to make sure they are fulfilled. If there is any that we cannot fulfil now, including the past ones, we will continue our engagements on them.”
She commended the leadership of TUC for having faith in the government and assured the union of the government’s continued readiness to listen to them.
