President Bola Tinubu has just proposed a new bill to the House of Representatives that could change the lives of many Nigerian workers. This bill aims to set the national minimum wage at ₦70,000 per month. If the bill becomes law, it will officially make ₦70,000 the least amount any worker in Nigeria can be paid.
For a long time, Nigerian workers have struggled with low wages that can't keep up with the rising cost of living. The current minimum wage of ₦30,000, set in 2019, is no longer enough due to increasing prices of basic goods and services. President Tinubu wants to ensure that workers earn a wage that can better support their daily needs.
Here are the main points of the proposed minimum wage bill:
- ₦70,000 Minimum Wage: The bill sets the minimum wage at ₦70,000 per month for all workers in Nigeria, up from the current ₦30,000.
- Adjustments for Inflation: The bill includes plans to adjust the minimum wage regularly based on the cost of living and inflation, ensuring it remains fair over time.
- Strict Enforcement: The bill proposes strict measures to make sure employers follow the new wage rules, with penalties for those who do not comply.
The proposed bill has received mixed reactions. Many labor unions and workers’ groups are happy with the move.
“This is a great step forward,” said Comrade Ayuba Wabba, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress. “A minimum wage of ₦70,000 will help reduce the financial struggles of many Nigerian workers. We hope the House of Representatives passes this bill quickly.”
However, some business owners are worried about the impact of the higher wages on their businesses.
“While we agree workers deserve better pay, jumping to ₦70,000 might be too much for some small businesses to handle,” said one employer, who preferred to stay anonymous. “We hope the government will offer support to businesses during this change.”
The bill has been presented to the House of Representatives and will go through several discussions and votes. If it passes, it will become law and the new minimum wage will take effect.
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