Minimum wage : We are ready to do more for Nigerian workers – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the federal government’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian workers through inclusive economic policies and wage reforms.

Shettima made this known on Thursday while receiving a delegation led by the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Mr. Gilbert Houngbo, alongside the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi.

During the meeting, he praised Nigeria’s labour movement for its significant role in national development, emphasizing President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to ensuring a productive workforce.

A statement signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications in the Office of the Vice President, quoted Shettima as saying: “We have a very vibrant labour movement, led by a competent and patriotic Nigerian. President Tinubu is deeply passionate about the welfare of Nigerian workers. We raised the minimum wage, and most states have started implementing it.

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Some have even gone beyond the N70,000 agreed at the national level. I commend the Nigeria Labour Congress for their statesmanship and commitment to workers’ rights.”

Highlighting Nigeria’s youthful population as an asset, Shettima stressed the importance of equipping young people with the necessary skills to navigate an evolving global economy.

“One in four black men is a Nigerian, and by 2050, we will surpass the United States to become the third most populous nation on earth. The average age in Nigeria is 16.9 years. We have a demographic bulge, but with the right policies, we can transform it into a demographic dividend rather than a demographic disaster,” he stated.

Shettima also assured the ILO delegation of the government’s continued efforts in fostering fair labour policies and economic growth.

“We will continue to engage with our friends in the labour movement to ensure progress. We are all patriots and partners in building a stronger Nigeria,” he added.

He further noted that President Tinubu, whom he described as an activist, would be briefed on the issues discussed once he returns to the country.

“We are all patriots and partners in progress. The President is very much at home with the labour ecosystem,” he said.

In his remarks, ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s longstanding support, particularly in his election as ILO chief. He acknowledged the country’s role in leading the ILO Board of Directors between June 2023 and June 2024.

“Without the mobilisation of the government of Nigeria and social partners in the country, my election would have been very difficult. Nigeria mobilised a lot of the African constituents in ensuring my election as DG,” Houngbo stated.

He also called on the federal government to expedite the finalisation of labour code reforms and support the revival of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC), a key platform for social dialogue.

“We believe that, given the dynamism of the labour market in Nigeria, its population, ambition and role in Africa, having the NLAC revived will really be beneficial to all,” he added.

Other attendees at the meeting included Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, as well as several key figures from the Ministry of Labour, National Directorate of Employment, National Productivity Centre, and representatives of major labour unions.