TheCable

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) says the federal government should continue paying the N35,000 wage award pending the announcement of a living wage. 

Speaking with NAN on Tuesday, Etim Okon, president of the association, said it is worrisome that workers are yet to receive their monthly wage awards for March and April.

“There is a misinformation going round that the N35,000 wage award was just for six months, so for anyone, either from government side or otherwise to contemplate that, then it is a misconception,” he said.

“The wage award we signed with the federal government on October 2, 2023 in the memorandum of understanding (MoU) is that they will continue to pay, until the new national minimum wage is implemented.

“So, there is no moral justification for stopping it at all. They have paid up to February and we still have outstanding for March and April.

“The federal government has to continue to pay until the minimum wage act is passed and implemented and that was what was agreed upon.”

On May 1, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, minister of state for labour and employment, assured civil servants that the implementation of a new national minimum wage will take effect from May 1, 2024.

She said the goal of the 37-member tripartite committee is to ensure that workers get reasonable living wages to support their families and live dignified lives.