Federal Government, Wednesday, disclosed that the draft bill to legalise the N18.000 new minimum wage with the title “Bill for act to amend the National Minimum Wage Act cap N61LFM 2004″ to provide for the new minimum wage, was already with the National Assembly.

At the meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and its Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, who did not disclose the date the draft bill was sent to the National Assembly, however, said President Goodluck Jonathan, forwarded the bill to the lawmakers.

A statement by Prince Olowookere Samuel, Assistant Director (Press) at the end of the meeting, noted the minister disclosed this  while briefing the Executives of organized trade unions led by the President NLC, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar and its TUC, counterpart, Comrade Peter Esele.

According to the statement, “the National Minimum Wage Bill is ready and has been sent to the National Assembly awaiting the reconvening of the Assembly for passage.

“The Federal Government has shown willingness to pass the Bill although not as fast as organized labour union would have expected after the November meeting with Mr. President. He further explained that this was due to the need to adhere strictly to lay down procedures.”

Chief Wogu urged the labour unions not to continue with their planned industrial action as speculated, while seeking more time for the National Assembly to take a critical look at the bill as accelerated hearing that will not pay attention to details and technical aspect may not be in the interest of labour.

“In view of the threat published in the dailies that if the bill is not passed between specific periods of time, the labour unions will continue with its industrial action. I want to urge you to review your position in the face of the present position of the bill by giving the National Assembly ample time to do their legislative work”. Wogu advocated

In response the President of NLC, Comrade Omar, appreciated the Honourable Minister for his proactive policy on labour administration while accepting the statement of the Minister as the official position of the Minimum Wage Bill.

“I thank the Honourable Minister for deeming it fit to keep us abreast of happening as regards the issue of minimum wage, there have been lots of speculations before now, but this is what we will take as the official position of the minimum wage”. Omar stated

In his contribution the President General of the TUC, Comrade, Peter Esele charged the National Assembly to give a speedy passage to this Bill that is aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerian Workers.

“We expect this bill to be given the same attention that was given to the emolument of the Members of the National Assembly and also the speedy hearing that was given to the electoral Act. We are going to benchmark how the National Assembly treated this bill with those two”. Esele stated.