The Federal Government(FG) has begun preliminary discussions with stakeholders on a possible new national minimum wage, but has yet to set a date for formal negotiations.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr Kamil Shoretire, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking at a capacity-building workshop organised for labour correspondents.
Shoretire said the government was already holding background discussions with relevant stakeholders as it prepares for the next phase of the wage process.
He, however, clarified that no timetable had been fixed for the formal negotiations.
“We are yet to announce the timetable for that, but background discussions are already ongoing,” he said.
The official added that the details of the proposals and negotiations would be made public when the process reaches the appropriate stage.
“When it’s time to get the press involved in what has been proposed and what is being negotiated, it will be revealed to you,” he said.
The disclosure places the minimum wage issue at the preliminary consultation stage rather than at a point where a new figure has been agreed.
The Federal Government has not announced how much it may propose as the next national minimum wage. It has also not disclosed when formal talks with organised labour will begin.
The development comes against the backdrop of continuing pressure from organised labour for a fresh review of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage approved in 2024.
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The current wage replaced the previous ₦30,000 statutory minimum and took effect from April 2024. Labour organisations have since maintained that rising living costs have placed additional pressure on workers’ earnings.
Labour groups have called for the minimum wage to rise to ₦500,000. They have also sought an immediate wage award for workers and a reduction in the pump price of petrol to ₦500 per litre.
The government’s latest position does not amount to an acceptance of those demands. Rather, Shoretire’s remarks indicate that consultations are taking place ahead of negotiations in which the government, labour representatives and other stakeholders will discuss the next wage framework.
The permanent secretary also disclosed that the ministry was engaging workers in sectors affected by unresolved disputes over salaries and allowances.
That engagement suggests that the wage question is being considered alongside other outstanding labour matters. The ministry is therefore dealing with several areas of concern involving workers while preparations for the minimum wage discussions continue.
The timing of the consultations is also significant. The existing ₦70,000 wage was introduced in 2024, meaning any fresh review would come as workers and employers contend with changes in the cost of living and other economic pressures.
However, the government has not yet disclosed the figure it may take to the negotiating table.
Shoretire’s statement therefore signals the beginning of preparations rather than the conclusion of the process. Until a timetable is announced and formal negotiations commence, the final amount of any new national minimum wage remains unsettled.
The next stage will be the announcement of the negotiation framework and the participation of the relevant government, labour and employer representatives.
Until then, the ₦70,000 statutory minimum wage remains the existing national benchmark, while discussions on a possible replacement continue behind the scenes.
