FG Set to Implement New ₦70,000 Minimum Wage

The Federal Government has announced that it will implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, with effect from July 29, 2024.

This development follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government and the Labour Union on Friday. The agreement also includes the revision of the salary structure for lecturers, doctors, military personnel, and other civil servants.

The announcement was made in a statement released by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) and signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Eno Olotu.

According to the statement, the committee on civil servant salaries has finalised plans for the implementation of the new wage structure from July 29, 2024.

The revision comes as part of resolutions reached during the committee’s meeting held in Abuja. One key recommendation of the committee is the continuation of the wage award, which the Federal Government had previously discontinued, up until July 28, 2024.

The committee, led by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, noted that the government’s decision was informed by the current economic realities facing the country.

Speaking after the MoU signing, Walson-Jack, who also chaired the committee, commended the members for their diligence in executing the task.

She stated, “Both the Trade Union and the Government have agreed on the consequential adjustments in salaries arising from the new minimum wage of ₦70,000.” She added that all committee members reviewed and signed the MoU, which was then handed over to representatives from both sides.

Walson-Jack described the negotiations as one of the shortest and most peaceful in recent times and confirmed that the signed MoU would now be forwarded to the Federal Government for further action.

In his remarks, the National Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Benjamin Anthony, who represented the Trade Union, expressed satisfaction with the work done by the committee and lauded the leadership of the HCSF for the smooth conduct of the negotiations.