FG charges new NSIWC board on fair wages, productivity

The Federal Government of Nigeria has charged the newly inaugurated National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) board with ensuring fair wages, enhanced productivity, and maintaining industrial harmony across the country. The swearing-in ceremony took place in Abuja on Friday, marking a pivotal moment in the administration's ongoing efforts to stabilize the economy and implement structural reforms under President Bola Tinubu. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, delivered the charge to the new board during the ceremony. He emphasized the significance of the event, stating it occurred at a critical juncture in Nigeria's economic transformation. According to a statement released by the Press and Public Relations Unit of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the new NSIWC board is tasked with providing strategic leadership that aligns with the broader goals of the Tinubu administration. Akume outlined the administration's focus on restoring economic stability, improving productivity, enhancing workers' welfare, and laying the groundwork for sustainable and inclusive growth. He highlighted the strategic importance of the NSIWC, noting that the commission plays a vital role in shaping salary structures, evaluating jobs, and determining compensation policies that directly impact workers' remuneration, productivity, and overall economic sustainability. The SGF stressed the need for the new board to strike a delicate balance between fair and decent remuneration, improved productivity, affordability, and the nation's broader economic conditions. This comes amid the recent implementation of the new National Minimum Wage framework, which has raised worker expectations while simultaneously increasing the burden on both the government and employers. Akume urged the board to base its recommendations on solid evidence, transparency, timeliness, equity, and fiscal responsibility. He called for robust research and reliable data on wages, productivity, purchasing power, and economic growth to inform their decisions. The SGF also emphasized the importance of developing a remuneration system that recognizes skills, responsibility, innovation, and productivity while promoting efficiency and accountability within the workforce. To support these goals, the SGF encouraged the NSIWC to enhance its digital and data capabilities, aiming to establish itself as a center of excellence in compensation and productivity. He reiterated the federal government's commitment to backing institutions that contribute to achieving the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, a comprehensive reform program aimed at revitalizing Nigeria's economy and improving citizens' lives. President Tinubu has appointed a diverse group of individuals to serve on the new NSIWC board. Alongside the new board chairman, Major General Junaid Bindawa (Rtd.), the president has named nine additional members. These include former House of Representatives member Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, who will serve as the commission's secretary. Other appointees represent different regions of the country, including Dr. Ogbole Ene Lilian from Benue State, Oladele Olatubosun from Oyo State, and Yakubu Umar Barde from Kaduna State. Additional members include Dr. Mai Adamu Yau from Borno State, Ginika Florence Tor from Enugu State, Engineer Lawrence Okoh from Edo State, and Bello Moronke Iyabode from Kogi State. Each of these individuals brings unique expertise and regional representation to the commission. In his acceptance speech, Major General Junaid Bindawa (Rtd.) thanked President Tinubu for entrusting him with the leadership of the NSIWC board. He pledged to engage constructively with organized labor and work collaboratively to fulfill the responsibilities placed upon the board. He acknowledged the gravity of the tasks ahead, emphasizing the board's role in overseeing salaries, wages, incomes, and productivity, areas that significantly influence workers' well-being and the quality of public services delivered nationwide.