The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced an increase in the consolidated public service salary structure (CONPSS).
Ekpo Nta, the chair of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), made this announcement during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.
Nta explained that the salary review is a direct result of the recently enacted Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.
“This review was carried out following the enactment of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024,” she said.
The decision came after a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Federal Government and labour leaders.
“The MoU was reached by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Trade Union sides of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council on September 20,” Nta added.
The revised salary structure will benefit various groups within the public sector.
Workers under several salary structures will see an increase, including those in research and allied institutions (CONRAISS) and universities (CONUASS).
Other affected groups include staff from polytechnics and colleges of education (CONPCASS) and those under the consolidated health salary structure (CONHESS).
Nta also mentioned that personnel in the police (CONPOSS) and armed forces (CONAFSS) would benefit from the salary adjustments.
This salary review follows a significant increase in the national minimum wage, which President Bola Tinubu signed into law on July 29.
The new legislation raises the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000.
This marked an important step in improving the living standards of public servants across Nigeria.
Nta emphasised the importance of these adjustments, saying they reflect the government’s commitment to the welfare of its workers.
“The agreement will come into effect from July 29, 2024,” he stated.
The approval of the new salary structure is expected to positively impact the morale of civil servants.
The approval comes at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with inflation and economic challenges.
As the cost of living continues to rise, public sector workers have been advocating for better pay.
The new salary structure is a response to these concerns and aims to alleviate financial pressures.
The announcement has generated optimism among civil servants who have long awaited a salary review.
“I believe this will make a significant difference in our lives,” one public servant commented.
As the government implements the new salary structure, questions remain about its sustainability.
Some experts caution that while the increase is beneficial, it must be part of a broader economic strategy.
On July 29, President Bola Tinubu signed the minimum wage bill into law, raising the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000.
This increase is intended to help workers cope with rising living costs.
Nta explained that the agreement for salary adjustments will come into effect from the same date the minimum wage was signed into law, July 29, 2024.
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