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Analysing the Politics of Nigeria’s 2019 National Minimum Wage: Towards a Public Policy

Author

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  • Paul Oshagwu Opone

    (Delta State University)

  • Kelvin Obi Kelikwuma

    (Delta State University)

Abstract

This paper analyses the politics that characterised the Nigeria 2019 national minimum wage negotiations and implementation, which so far is the most prolonged in Nigeria’s history. Workers' welfare is the responsibility of governments across the world through fixing and regulation of the national minimum wage. But in Nigeria, this has been problematic, and the entire process is characterised by industrial actions undertaken to compel the government to commit to wage negotiations and implementation. The paper argues that the absence of functional standing machinery with a focus on labour economics, deciding the condition and time for a minimum wage review is seen as the main bane in government–labour frequent face-off in Nigeria, which has negatively impacted on harmonious industrial relations. Writing from the analytical point of view, the paper finds that industrial actions have become one action too many because of government's political approach to labour demands. Deciphered in the foregoing is that the current system of government–labour negotiation for new national minimum wage cannot guarantee workers’ welfare in Nigeria. Thus, for the Nigeria government to address this perennial minimum wage problem and be seen as fulfilling its obligation to the International Labour Organisation, it must urgently put in place an acceptable mechanism for fixing and regulating the national minimum wage in Nigeria to cushion the effect of the hike in petroleum products on which the national economy largely depends.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Oshagwu Opone & Kelvin Obi Kelikwuma, 2021. "Analysing the Politics of Nigeria’s 2019 National Minimum Wage: Towards a Public Policy," The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Springer;The Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), vol. 64(4), pages 1135-1149, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijlaec:v:64:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s41027-021-00347-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s41027-021-00347-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Addison, John T. & Blackburn, McKinley L. & Cotti, Chad D., 2013. "Minimum wage increases in a recessionary environment," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 23(C), pages 30-39.
    2. Alaniz, Enrique & Gindling, T.H. & Terrell, Katherine, 2011. "The impact of minimum wages on wages, work and poverty in Nicaragua," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 18(S1), pages 45-59.
    3. Jinlan Ni & Guangxin Wang & Xianguo Yao, 2011. "Impact of Minimum Wages on Employment," Chinese Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(1), pages 18-38, January.
    4. repec:asi:ajoerj:2013:p:477-492 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. E Chuke NWUDE, 2013. "The Politics of Minimum Wage in Nigeria: The Unresolved Issues," Asian Journal of Empirical Research, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 3(4), pages 477-492.
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