The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, made the call on Monday at the board retreat of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission in Abuja.
Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Abubakar Kana, said wage decisions must reflect prevailing economic conditions while protecting workers’ welfare.
He said, “The commission must continually balance the legitimate expectations of workers with the fiscal realities of government and broader imperatives of national economic development.”
Akume said the approaching 2027 general elections, ongoing economic reforms and rising public expectations had made sustainable wage administration increasingly important.
He identified three priorities for the commission, including evidence-based wage policies, institutional modernisation and effective implementation of of recommendations.
According to him, salary decisions must be informed by reliable economic data and consultations with organised labour, employers and other stakeholders.
He urged the commission to strengthen its research capabilities, embrace digital technology and establish measurable performance targets.
The SGF also warned against avoidable industrial disputes, stressing that constructive engagement was necessary to maintain stability.
He said, “A credible and inclusive approach towards governance is indispensable to building trust, preventing avoidable industrial disputes like we’re about to have now, and promoting a stable environment for national development.”
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, maintained that his earlier ultimatum to the government remained in force, although he declined to negotiate the matter during the retreat.
According to him, the government should introduce measures to address workers’ hardship before industrial action becomes necessary.
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