The House of Representatives made headlines on Tuesday by passing a landmark bill that raises the national minimum wage to N70,000 and shortens the review period for the wage from five years to three. The bill, an amendment to the National Minimum Wage Act, was fast-tracked following a request from President Bola Tinubu, who emphasized the need for immediate implementation to benefit Nigerian workers.
The revised legislation updates Section 3 of the Principal Act to reflect the new minimum wage figure and adjusts the periodic review interval to ensure more frequent adjustments in response to economic changes. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read the President’s letter urging the lawmakers to prioritize the bill, highlighting its importance for workers’ welfare in a challenging economic climate.
In addition to the wage bill, the House also approved an amendment to the Nigeria Police Act, which allows the Inspector General of Police to remain in office until the end of their appointed term. This change addresses concerns related to police leadership continuity and aligns with constitutional provisions. The new amendment adds a provision to Section 18 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, ensuring that the IG’s tenure is not prematurely cut short.
These legislative changes mark significant steps in addressing both economic and administrative issues within Nigeria, reflecting a commitment to improving workers’ conditions and enhancing stability in law enforcement leadership. The passage of these bills underscores the government’s responsiveness to pressing national concerns and aims to foster a more stable and equitable environment for all Nigerians.
