The Federal Government has assured that many state governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration will implement the new national minimum wage by January 2025.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, gave this assurance during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCN) at his office in Abuja.

Dingyadi appealed for patience from workers, explaining that his ministry was still assessing the compliance level of various states as the implementation had just commenced. He noted that, according to information from workers, four or five states were yet to fully comply, while others had implemented the minimum wage partially.

He stated: ?The FCT said it will comply with the new minimum wage in January. However, your FCT chapter insists on immediate implementation. I am not sure if that demand is entirely fair.

?Many states are set to implement it in January. I don?t understand why your FCT chapter is unwilling to accept this timeline. Nevertheless, since you have raised this issue, we will revisit the matter, particularly concerning the federal agencies you mentioned.?

The Minister called on the ASCN to provide a detailed list of non-compliant agencies to enable the government to address the situation effectively. He also acknowledged other concerns raised, including issues involving the Office of the Accountant General and the Federal Civil Service Commission. He assured the delegation that these matters would be thoroughly examined and resolved amicably.

Dingyadi expressed gratitude to the delegation for their visit and their congratulations on his reappointment as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He reiterated his commitment to fostering peace, stability, and cooperation within the labour sector, emphasising that his ministry?s doors would always remain open to trade unions. He also urged union leaders to adopt peaceful and constructive approaches, advocating for roundtable discussions to resolve conflicts.

Earlier, the President of ASCN, Comrade Shehu Mohammed, congratulated the Minister on his reappointment, describing it as ?a great opportunity to reinvigorate the Ministry of Labour and enhance industrial relations across the country.?

Mohammed sought the Minister?s intervention on the non-remittance of the union?s check-off dues by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, alongside other pressing concerns.

He also commended the Ministry?s efforts in reforming trade unions and carrying out its oversight responsibilities, which he said had significantly improved the operations of unions across the nation. (Nigerian Tribune)