FG charges new NSIWC board on fair wages, productivity

Nigeria's Federal Government has officially inaugurated the new Board of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC). The charge given to the board members emphasizes the need for strategic leadership focused on fair remuneration, enhanced productivity, and fostering industrial harmony across the nation.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, presided over the ceremony in Abuja. He highlighted the significance of the inauguration, particularly noting its timing amidst Nigeria's ongoing economic transformation under President Bola Tinubu's leadership. Akume stated that the administration is implementing extensive reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy, boosting productivity, improving worker welfare, and establishing a foundation for sustainable growth.

Akume stressed the commission's crucial role during this period, tasked with managing salary structures, productivity, job evaluation, and compensation. These responsibilities directly impact workers' pay, industrial relations, and the sustainability of government finances. The SGF acknowledged the challenge of balancing fair wages with improved productivity, affordability, and the nation's broader economic realities.

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The role of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission is particularly strategic at this time. The Commission is entrusted with responsibilities relating to salary structures, productivity, job evaluation and compensation matters that have direct implications for workers' remuneration, productivity, industrial harmony and the sustainability of government finances.

He specifically mentioned the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage framework, which has raised worker expectations while increasing responsibilities for both government and employers. The SGF urged the new Board to ensure its recommendations are evidence-based, transparent, timely, equitable, and fiscally responsible, supported by robust data on wages, productivity, and economic growth.

The commission is expected to promote a remuneration system that values skills, responsibility, innovation, and productivity, while encouraging efficiency and accountability. Strengthening digital capabilities and establishing the NSIWC as a center of excellence in compensation and productivity were also identified as crucial objectives. President Tinubu appointed Major General Junaid Bindawa (Rtd.) as the new Board Chairman, along with nine other members and Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas as Secretary.

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The Commission must promote a remuneration system that recognises skills, responsibility, innovation, and productivity while encouraging efficiency and accountability. Strengthening digital and data capabilities and positioning the Commission as a centre of excellence in compensation and productivity is crucial.