THE federal government has assured Nigeria Labour Congress and entire labour workforce that the new national minimum wage will commence, latest by end of September 2018.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, declared on Monday that the federal government would announce the new minimum wage before the end of the third quarter which is September.

Ngige was speaking at the 40th Anniversary of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja on Monday.

The minister said “In furtherance to the determination by the federal government to attain the decent work agenda which involves opportunities for works that are productive and deliver a fair income, security in workplace, and social protection for families; there have been overtime, three minimum wage reviews and currently the tripartite committee on national minimum wage is set to review the current minimum wage.

“Memoranda are being received from relevant bodies are persons to enable the determination of a new minimum wage for the nation. By the third quarter of this year, a new minimum wage will be announced for the country.”

He appealed to workers for more time and understanding because the government wants to ensure compliance by all state governments.

According to him, “Better late than never because some State governors are still owing and cannot pay the current N18,000 minimum wage to workers, that’s why we are ensuring we bring all stakeholders along and announce the new minimum wage at the appropriate time.

“But I can assure you that the third quarter is the maximum time the new minimum wage will be announced.”