TheCable

Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, minister of state for labour and employment, says the federal government will soon pay the N35,000 wage arrears it owes workers.

The provisional wage was meant to be paid to workers for six months to ameliorate the hardship caused by the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The wage was put in place to avert a nationwide strike by organised labour last year.

The federal government has since defaulted on the payment.

Speaking at separate meetings with the leadership of Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) in Abuja on Wednesday, Onyejeocha said the federal government is working to ensure that it fulfils its promises to labour.

“The government is working round the clock to ensure that agreements with trade unions are fulfilled,” the minister said.

“I am here specifically to reassure you that we have not forgotten about the agreements between the government and trade unions.

“Thank God that you have confirmed that the federal government has started paying the N35,000 wage award, and I can assure you that the payment is on course and the outstanding amount will be paid within a short period of time.

“I know that the President is focused on making sure that the issue of a new national minimum wage is addressed. The government will ensure that the committee starts working in earnest.

“I do not want to wait for any stakeholder to start agitating. That is why I have come to remind you that I am aware of those agreements, and we are working around the clock to make sure they are fulfilled.”

She said the government would continue to dialogue with labour on various issues.