NECA Tasks FG on January 1st 2019 minimum wage implementation | Jeremy spell blog

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative
Association (NECA) says Federal Government
must conclude all legal processes for the
implementation of the 30,000 minimum
wage before Dec. 31, to ensure its
implementation by Jan. 1, 2019.
NECA President, Mr Muhammed Yunusa,
disclosed this at a briefing shortly after the
associations’ governing council meeting in
Lagos on Thursday.
Yunusa said the N30, 000 minimum wage
would lift workers’ purchasing power.
“Payment of the agreed new minimum
wage will increase total demand and
ultimately stimulate economic activities.
“Government should be focused on how to
broaden the nation’s revenue base, ensure
the viability of the states of the federation
and curb or eliminate wastages,” he said.
Yunusa said it is not uncommon to hear
outcry of inability to pay by some employers
but it is for each and every employer
including government to focus inward to
effect the necessary adjustment to be able
to pay.
He said the ability to pay should not be an
issue if there is efficiency, effectiveness and
prudence in the administration of the
government resources.
On the African Continental Free Trade
Agreement (AFCTA), Yunusa said that it was
not in support of the agreement because it
has a potential of damaging local
businesses as well as the national economy.
“Stakeholders have said that signing the
agreement is dangerous as it is a neo-
liberal policy initiative, aimed at opening
our seaports, airports and other businesses
to unbridled foreign interference.
“AFCTA will further drag the comatose real
sector into extinction. The once thriving
textile industries have become ghosts of
their former self,” he said.
Yunusa said the organised private sector
rejects the ratification of AFCTA until its
dues of market access and enforcement of
rules of origin among other concerns are
resolved.