The Nigerian Senate has assured the public of its commitment to swiftly pass the new minimum wage bill once it is transmitted by President Bola Tinubu. This assurance was provided by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, during a press briefing in Abuja.
Senator Adaramodu emphasized that the Senate is prepared to pass the bill rapidly, potentially within thirty minutes, provided there are no internal or external objections. However, he clarified that despite the promise of an expedited hearing, the bill will still undergo all necessary legislative procedures.
Responding to a question about whether the Senate would pass the minimum wage bill as quickly as it passed the New National Anthem Bill, Adaramodu stated, “Yes, if immediately after Sallah, the Bill is brought by Mr. President to the National Assembly, it will be addressed with the speed of lightning. We are committed to passing it because it benefits Nigerian workers. If possible, we will pass it within 30 minutes.”
He continued, “But it depends on the content of the Bill because it must go through the necessary legislative processes. We will ensure thorough scrutiny before passing it.”
Regarding potential opposition from state governments that have expressed concerns about affording the proposed N62,000 minimum wage, Adaramodu noted that such issues are expected to be resolved before the bill reaches the Senate. “Since they are all meeting, we know that at the end of the day, all parties will agree on the figure. An executive bill means state executives, federal executives, and local government executives are all involved,” he explained.
Adaramodu expressed confidence that the negotiating bodies will reach a consensus on the proposed figure. “We do not foresee any opposition from the negotiating bodies once an agreement is reached. The bill will come to us, and we will process it without delay to ensure Nigerian workers receive their due,” he assured.
He further elaborated, “Negotiations involve various parameters and perspectives, but ultimately, all lines will converge. We will then take the bill at the end of the tunnel, finalize it, and make it into law for the benefit of Nigerian workers.”
