The Federal Government has authorized a 25-35 per cent increase in the salary structures of police officers, the armed forces, public servants, among others.
The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission made this announcement on Tuesday. It stated that the pay increase will be implemented on January 1, 2024.
The NSIWC said that the authorized wage increase of around 25 to 35 percent was for civil officials on the remaining six consolidated salary structures in a statement released by its Head of Press, Emmanuel Njoku.
The commission said, “The Federal Government has approved an increase of between 25 per cent and 35 per cent in salary for civil servants on the remaining six consolidated salary structures.”
It outlined the structures to include the “Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure, Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure Consolidated Police Salary Structure, Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure, Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure, and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure.”
The tertiary education and health sectors had previously received their raises, which included the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure and Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure for Universities.
Polytechnics and colleges of education received their increases through the Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure and Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure.
The Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and Consolidated Health sector Salary Structure were beneficial to the health sector as well.
Njoku said the latest increases take effect from January 1, 2024.
“In line with the provisions of Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Federal Government has also approved increases in pension of between 20 per cent and 28 per cent for pensioners on the Defined Benefits Scheme in respect of the above-mentioned six consolidated salary structures with effect from January 1, 2024,” the NSIWC stated.
Nigerian civil servants had been pushing for salary raise prior to 2024. Although a 40 percent increase was discussed during negotiations, but an agreement was reached for a range of increases between 25 and 35 percent to take effect in January 2024. Federal civil servants covered by several consolidated salary structures are subject to this increment.
Additionally, Nigeria labor union have been advocating for a major raise in the minimum wage for all workers across the Country.
The Nigeria Labour Congress initially proposed a monthly salary of N615,000, while the Trade Union Congress offered a monthly salary range of N447,000 to N850,000, contingent on the area.
The labor unions contend that the current minimum wage, set to expire in April 2024, is inadequate due to the rising cost of living and increasing inflation.
The unions have lowered their demands in the current discussions. Currently, NLC is seeking about N500,000 and is taking state chapter ideas into consideration.
Unions argue for a higher rise during negotiations, which are impacted by recent events such as the increase in electricity tariffs. A final decision is anticipated by May 1, 2024 (May Day).
