FG tasks wages board with balancing workers’ pay, productivity

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The Federal Government has tasked the newly inaugurated Board of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) with the delicate responsibility of balancing workers’ demand for fair wages with productivity, industrial harmony and the government’s ability to pay.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, gave the charge on Friday, in Abuja, at the inauguration of the new NSIWC Board, describing its assignment as critical to Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms.

Akume said the board’s mandate had become particularly important following the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage framework, which, he noted, had raised expectations among workers while placing greater financial responsibilities on government and employers.

According to a statement issued by Head, Press and Public Relations Unit, Chris Ugwuegbulam, he urged the board to ensure that its recommendations on salaries, wages and compensation were evidence-based, transparent, timely and fiscally responsible.

“The challenge before the new Board is to maintain an appropriate balance between fair and decent remuneration, improved productivity, affordability, and the broader economic realities of the nation,” the SGF said.

According to him, the NSIWC has a strategic role in shaping salary structures, productivity, job evaluation and compensation policies with direct consequences for workers’ welfare, industrial relations and the sustainability of government finances.

He also charged the commission to strengthen its digital and data capabilities and establish itself as a centre of excellence in compensation and productivity.

President Tinubu appointed Major General Junaid Bindawa (Rtd.) as chairman of the board, alongside nine other members.

Former member of the House of Representatives from Lagos, Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, was appointed Secretary of the Commission.

Other members are Dr. Ogbole Ene Lilian, Oladele Olatubosun and Yakubu Umar Barde, representing Benue, Oyo and Kaduna states respectively.

The remaining members are Dr. Mai Adamu Yau from Borno State; Ginika Florence Tor from Enugu State; Lawrence Okoh from Edo State; and Bello Moronke Iyabode from Kogi State.

Responding on behalf of the new board, Bindawa expressed appreciation to Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the members.