The Nigerian government: The economic, sociological and political dimension of agitation for national minimum wage
Keywords:
Government, National, Minimum wage, RemunerationAbstract
This paper analyzes the economic, sociological, and political dimensions of the Nigerian government's stance on labor agitation for a legal minimum wage. It views minimum wage as essential for organizational progress and emphasizes the need for employers to adopt sustainable wages, incentives, and welfare packages to enhance worker satisfaction. Workers' unrest often stems from economic hardship, inflation, and inadequate welfare. The study examines the historical context of Nigeria’s minimum wage policies and the challenges hindering its implementation. Using the economic theory of legal minimum wage, it identifies key obstacles, including political indifference, inadequate funding, poor leadership, and widespread poverty. Findings highlight the negative impact of these challenges on workers' well-being and economic stability. The study recommends that the government prioritize living wages, salaries, and incentives to improve workers’ welfare, enhance productivity, and strengthen national development. Addressing these issues will ensure fair labor practices and better service delivery in Nigeria.Downloads
References
1. Amobi D.C. (2015). Remuneration Challenges and Industrial in Anambra State Civil Service System: Mitigation Strategy. WG Journal of Social Development, 5(1), October 2015. ISSN 0189-5958. ZARSMI Dubai, UAE and Centre for Social Science Research, Enugu, Nigeria
2. Archibong O.O., Forshina E., Jude O., & Chukwodi C.G. (2014). General Linear Model on the Contribution of Changes to Minimum Wage in the Nigerian Economy. The International Journal of Business and Management, ISSN 2321–8916
3. Asodike J.D. & Jaja A.S. (2012). Civil Servants’ Perception of Minimum Wage Increase in Nigeria. Global Journal of Human Social Science, 12(9)
4. Chuks O. & Tobore J. (2024). Tinubu Takes Cue from Obaseki, Fixes Minimum Wage at N70,000. The Nigerian Observer, Vol. 45 No. 853, Friday 19th – Sunday 1st July 2024, pp. 1 & 10
5. Eme O.I., Rowland C., & Ideline N. (2017). Science Arena Publications, Journal of Political and Law, Vol. 2(2), 42-66. www.scierena.com
6. Eme O.I. & Ugwu S.C. (2009). Trade Union Reforms in Nigeria: Implication of Trade Union Amendment Act of 2005 on Industrial Relations, Work and Productivity. Paper presented at the National Conference on Workers and Productivity in the Era of Globalization, Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, February 24–27
7. Federal Government Declares End to High Fuel Prices, Target to Reduce Fuel Prices to 230 per Kilogram. Hubert, July 22, 2024
8. Fashojin T. (2001). Industrial Relations in Nigeria: Development and Practice. Ikeja: Longman Nigeria PLC
9. Federal Government of Nigeria. (2005). The Trade Union (Amendment) Act 2005. Abuja: Government Printer
10. Herr H. & Kazandziska M. (2011). Principles of Minimum Wages Policy – Economics Institution and Recommendation. International Labour Office, Geneva, Switzerland
11. ILO. (1996). General Survey of the Report on Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery Convention (No. 26) and Recommendation (No. 30), 1928; Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery (Agriculture) Convention (No. 99) and Recommendation (No. 89), 1951; Minimum Wage Fixing Convention (No. 131) and Recommendation (No. 135), 1970. ILC, 79th Session, Report III
12. ILO. (2008). Global Wages Report 2008/09. Geneva, p. 35
13. ILO. (2009). Update on Minimum Wage Development. ILO Committee on Employment and Social Policy, Geneva
14. Mankiw N.G. (2011). Principles of Economics, 6th Edition. USA: South-Western Cengage Learning
15. Neumark D., Schweitzer M., & Wascher W. (2004). Minimum Wage Effects Through the Wage Distribution. Journal of Human Resources, 39(2), 425-450
16. Obaseki. (2024). Obaseki Links Rising Inflation to Failure to Produce, Export. Vanguard Newspaper, Monday June 24, 2024. Vol. 41 No. 10,334. www.vanguardngr.com
17. Ohafiatv. (2021). Revisiting 134% Increase in Minimum Wage. Ajaero Osifo Organized Labour Living and Leaving to Fight Another Day. July 22, 2024
18. Okafor S. & Aniche E. (2015). The 2011 National Minimum Wage Act Controversy and Trade Dispute in Nigeria: Problematizing Nigeria’s Fiscal Federalism. Public Policy and Administration Research, Vol. 5(9). www.iiste.org. ISSN 224-5731 (Paper), ISSN 2225-0972 (Online)
19. Oko S. (2011). Minimum Wage Not Feasible Except There is Fiscal Federalism. Champion Newspaper, July 21
20. Onuah F. (2019). Nigeria’s Buhari Signs Law to Increase Minimum Wage. Reuters, April 18, 2019
21. Otobo D. (2000). Industrial Relations: Theory and Controversies. Lagos: Malthouse Press Limited
22. SERAP. (2024). Minimum Wage Bill Must Uphold Workers’ Right to a Living Wage. Standard Time, Vol. 3.3.374, June 19, 2024. www.standardtime.ng.com
23. Surbhi S. (2015). Difference Between Salaries and Wages. Retrieved August 24, 2016 from http://keydifference.com/differencebetweensalary-and-wages.html
24. Tayo B. (2024). Labour Demands 250k. National Economy, June 24–30, 2024. www.nationaleconomy.com
25. Udoh B. (2015). New Nigeria Labour Congress Leadership Demands Higher Minimum Wage. Premium Times. www.premiumtimes.com/news/top-news/178561
26. Wasiu A. (2024). Nigeria’s Minimum Wage, Lowest Among Seven Selected African Countries. Business Day Newspaper. businessday.ng
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
