Workers’ Day: FG Declares Wednesday Public Holiday As Tinubu May Announce New Minimum Wage

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 1, 2024, as a public holiday in commemoration of Workers’ Day.

This was made known in a press statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Aishetu Ndayako, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, conveyed the declaration, emphasising the importance of excellence, efficiency, and fairness in labour.

Tunji-Ojo reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s dedication to fostering innovation, productivity, and inclusivity in workplaces.

The statement read, “The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 1, 2024 as a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Workers’ Day Celebration.

“The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, reiterated the need for excellence, efficiency and equity in all spheres of labour, re-affirming the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, productivity, and inclusivity in the workplace.

“Dr. Tunji-Ojo said, ‘In alignment with this year’s theme, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, I wish to state that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens.

“Let me reaffirm Mr. President’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for work, where every worker can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.’

“While acknowledging the contribution of workers, he called for proactive measures to mitigate adverse effects of climate change through synergy in the implementation of sustainable practices and policies that promote well-being in the workplace and in building a nation guided by the principles of integrity, diligence and compassion.

“The minister also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda as he wishes workers a happy celebration.”

The 2024 Workers Day is particularly being looked forward to as it is expected that President Bola Tinubu may unveil the newly proposed minimum wage for workers in the country on that day.

It was gathered that the National Minimum Wage Committee was working to ensure that all negotiations regarding the new rate were finalised before then with the expectation that the President would announce the new minimum wage in his Workers’ Day address.

A member of the committee, who spoke to Saturday PUNCH on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the issue, had noted, “By next week, the minimum wage committee will meet again. It’s a continuous meeting. That is a meeting where all the reports from the zonal public hearings will be collated and reported, and then, you know, that will also give the committee the direction to work with.

“Our target is to ensure that Mr President announces the minimum wage by the 1st of May, which is the Workers’ Day, for it to take effect from April. So, we are working to meet the timeline.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress has listed seven demands from the Federal Government ahead of the May 1, 2024 Workers’ Day.

Aside from demanding a new minimum wage, the NLC also asked for the creation of state and local government police to tackle insecurity in the country.

The Congress also stressed that states and local governments, as well as the organised private sector, must pay the new minimum wage when it is eventually approved.