On Tuesday, the National Assembly enacted the National Minimum Wage Act 2019 (Amendment Bill). Ogasabi, reporting for 9am news Nigeria, highlights that both legislative houses swiftly gave the law second and third readings, promptly approving it in the red and green chambers.
After extensive discussions in the Committee of the Whole, the Senate unanimously passed the National Minimum Wage Bill on its third reading. The House of Representatives also approved the bill immediately. President Tinubu will soon sign the bill into law, according to Ogasabi’s report on the 9am news.
Earlier, President Tinubu submitted the National Minimum Wage Bill to the National Assembly, urging a quick review and passage. He asked lawmakers to expedite consideration of the amendment to raise the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 and to reduce the review period from five to three years.
Last Thursday, following several discussions between the President and labor leaders, they agreed on a new minimum wage of ₦70,000. Ogasabi reported on 9am news Nigeria that this truce followed months of unsuccessful negotiations between labor organizations and the President’s tripartite committee. Despite labor initially demanding ₦250,000, they accepted ₦70,000 due to inflation and the rising cost of living after the removal of petrol subsidies.
Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), confirmed labor’s acceptance of the ₦70,000 offer, highlighting that the wage will now be reviewed every three years. This agreement followed President Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech on June 12, 2024, where he announced that an executive measure establishing a new national minimum wage would go to the National Assembly for passing. Ogasabi’s coverage on 9am news Nigeria ensured the public stayed informed about these crucial developments.
