Nigeria’s government is recommending a 50% rise in the minimum wage, weeks before a presidential election in which the cost of living has become a major issue.
Labour minister Chris Ngige said the government would send a Bill to Parliament proposing an increase in the monthly minimum to 27,000 naira (US$88) from 18,000 naira (US$49.80) today. There will be an exemption for employers with less than 25 staff, according to Pulse.
Unions went on strike as long ago as last year over the issue, initially demanding a rise to 50,000 naira (US$138.33) per month.
“The National Council of State has approved a minimum wage of 27,000 monthly. A bill to this effect is to be forwarded to the National Assembly,” Ngige told reporters in Abuja.
Emma Woollacott is a freelance business journalist. Her work has appeared in a wide range of publications, including the Guardian, the Times, Forbes and the BBC.
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Nigeria averts latest strike threat by promising minimum wage action
Nigeria’s government is recommending a 50% rise in the minimum wage, weeks before a presidential election in which the cost of living has become a major issue.
Labour minister Chris Ngige said the government would send a Bill to Parliament proposing an increase in the monthly minimum to 27,000 naira (US$88) from 18,000 naira (US$49.80) today. There will be an exemption for employers with less than 25 staff, according to Pulse.
Unions went on strike as long ago as last year over the issue, initially demanding a rise to 50,000 naira (US$138.33) per month.
“The National Council of State has approved a minimum wage of 27,000 monthly. A bill to this effect is to be forwarded to the National Assembly,” Ngige told reporters in Abuja.
Emma Woollacott is a freelance business journalist. Her work has appeared in a wide range of publications, including the Guardian, the Times, Forbes and the BBC.
OTHER STORIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU
Nigeria averts latest strike threat by promising minimum wage action
