National Assembly to Sanction States Over Minimum Wage Non-Compliance

• Senator Adaramodu revealed plans for a bill mandating all 36 states to comply with the new minimum wage law
• The proposed legislation ensures strict adherence to the new minimum wage, applying to federal, state, and private sectors

Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, has revealed that the National Assembly plans to introduce a bill mandating all 36 states to comply with the new minimum wage law.

Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Senator Adaramodu highlighted ongoing negotiations between the federal government and organized labour regarding a new minimum wage. The federal government has proposed a new minimum wage of N62,000, while the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are advocating for N250,000.

However, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has rejected the federal government’s proposal, arguing that some states might need to borrow funds to meet the N62,000 wage.

Senator Adaramodu emphasized that the proposed legislation would ensure strict adherence to the new minimum wage. “We are going to draft a watertight bill that the President will sign to ensure compliance as law,” he said.

He noted that the law would apply not only to the federal government but also to states, sub-nationals, and the private sector. Non-compliance would result in sanctions.

Senator Adaramodu assured that when the executive bill is presented, the National Assembly will ensure it is comprehensive and enforceable. “We will invite legislators and organized labor to contribute to making the law,” he said. “There will be clear sanctions for those who do not comply.”

When asked about the speed of passing the bill, Senator Adaramodu stated, “If possible, we will pass it within 30 minutes. It depends on the consensus reached between the federal government and organized labor.”

He expressed confidence that the bill would receive quick approval once an agreement on the minimum wage is reached. “If the bill is presented right after Sallah, we will handle it swiftly for the benefit of Nigerian workers,” he concluded.