The federal government has inaugurated the new Board of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on Friday in Abuja.

George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the head, press and public relations unit, Chris Ugwuegbulam.

The board, chaired by retired Junaid Bindaw, has former members of the House of Representatives from Lagos, Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas as secretary and Ogbole Lilian, Oladele Olatubosun and Yakubu Barde, representing Benue, Oyo and Kaduna states, as members.

Other members are Mai Adamu from Borno, Ginika Florence Tor from Enugu, Lawrence Okoh from Edo and Bello Iyabode from Kogi.

Mr Akume congratulated the chairman and members of the board and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by providing visionary, responsible and results-oriented leadership.

He described the event as “significant”, coming at a critical period in Nigeria’s economic transformation under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

He charged the board members to provide strategic leadership to ensure fair remuneration, improved productivity and industrial harmony.

He said the administration was implementing far-reaching reforms aimed at restoring economic stability, strengthening productivity, improving workers’ welfare and laying the foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth.

“The role of the NSIWC is particularly strategic at this time.

“The commission is entrusted with responsibilities relating to salary structures, productivity, job evaluation and compensation matters that have direct implications for workers’ remuneration, productivity, industrial harmony and the sustainability of government finances,” he said.

The SGF said the major challenge before the new board was to maintain an appropriate balance between fair and decent remuneration, improved productivity, affordability and the broader economic realities of the country.

He noted that the appointments came at a crucial time following the implementation of the new national minimum wage framework, which had raised expectations among workers while placing greater responsibilities on the government and employers.

Mr Akume urged the board to ensure that its recommendations were evidence-based, transparent, timely, equitable and fiscally responsible.

He also called for robust research and reliable data on wages, productivity, purchasing power and economic growth to guide the commission’s decisions.

“The commission must promote a remuneration system that recognises skills, responsibility, innovation and productivity while encouraging efficiency and accountability.

“Strengthening digital and data capabilities and positioning the commission as a centre of excellence in compensation and productivity is crucial,” he added.

Mr Akume reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting institutions that advance the objectives of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said that the NSIWC has an important role to play in ensuring that the benefits of economic reforms translate into improved livelihoods and a more stable industrial environment.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Bindawa expressed gratitude to Mr Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the members and assured their commitment to constructive engagement and working harmoniously with organised labour.

He acknowledged the weight of the responsibilities entrusted to the board, which included overseeing salaries, wages, incomes and productivity, key areas affecting workers’ welfare and the delivery of quality public service. 

(NAN)