The recent implementation of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024, which raised Nigeria’s minimum wage to ₦70,000, has reignited national conversations on equity, accountability, and governance particularly within the National Assembly itself.
Despite the law taking effect on July 29, 2024, reports have emerged suggesting that legislative aides key personnel in the country’s highest lawmaking institution are still being paid as little as ₦30,000 monthly. The development has triggered widespread criticism, with many accusing lawmakers of hypocrisy and failing to uphold the very standards they legislate.
A Tale of Two Categories: Management vs. Legislative Aides
According to Governance Today Nigeria‘s findings, National Assembly staff are divided into two categories: management staff and legislative aides. While management staff are reportedly receiving the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, legislative aides continue to earn ₦30,000, in clear violation of the new law.
This disparity has sparked outrage among junior staff, who argue that the legislative body responsible for enacting national laws should not be seen flouting them. “What can ₦30,000 buy for you as a family man today?” asked one frustrated staff member, speaking anonymously. “We don’t have special markets or privileges. We face the same cost of living as every other Nigerian.”
The National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024: A Snapshot
The revised minimum wage law was passed in a bid to improve living standards amid Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions. Key provisions of the law include:
- Implementation Date: Effective from July 29, 2024
- Federal Government Compliance: Began paying the new wage to over 1.2 million federal workers by September 2024
- State-Level Implementation: States like Adamawa started payments in August, while others, such as Anambra, planned to begin by October
- State Engagement: At least 17 state governors have formed implementation committees with varying progress
Some states, like Edo, even exceeded the federal benchmark, raising salaries to ₦75,000. Meanwhile, legislative aides at the National Assembly, Nigeria’s apex lawmaking institution, remain among the lowest-paid workers in the federal structure.
Public Reaction and Accountability Questions
The apparent non-compliance by the National Assembly has fueled public anger and calls for transparency. Critics argue that lawmakers risk losing moral authority if they continue to ignore the plight of staff who support the legislative process behind the scenes.
“This is not just an issue of salary,” said a civil society advocate. “It’s about the credibility of an institution that preaches good governance yet fails to practice it within its own walls.”
The controversy, observers warn, may further erode public trust in government institutions already seen as detached from the socioeconomic struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
Calls for Reform and Transparency
Staff members have appealed to the National Assembly management and the Senate President to intervene and correct the disparity. They called for a comprehensive review of the salary structure, urging that legislative aides be paid in accordance with the law and national standards.
Analysts also recommend the introduction of transparency mechanisms within the National Assembly to prevent such contradictions and restore public faith in its operations.
Conclusion
The ongoing salary controversy is more than a labor dispute—it is a litmus test for the integrity and accountability of Nigeria’s legislative arm. As the nation continues to grapple with economic challenges, the demand for consistent and just governance becomes more urgent.
Governance Today Nigeria will continue to monitor developments and amplify the voices of workers and citizens who call for fairness, justice, and the rule of law.
By: Dr Sylvester A. Omose
Governance Today Nigeria
