Across Nigeria, both private and public sector employers are notorious for owing salary arrears, which can sometimes extend back as a year. Pensioners too suffer terribly as they are owed mainly by state governments who lack the funds to pay them and with the economy currently in a bad state, the backlog is growing by the day.
Yesterday, a bill, sponsored by the majority leader of the House, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila was proposed to come up with penalties for states and private employers who owe arrears. However, the bill was later withdrawn following observations made by some members that it was not justifiable and could only come up through an Act.
House of Representatives speaker Hon Yakubu Dogara, who presided over the plenary session, also advised Hon Gbajabiamila to have a second look at the bill and make all the necessary amendments before it is represented for consideration. Titled A Bill For An Act to Prohibit Late Payment, Non-payment and Under Payment of Workers’ Wages, Pensions and Other Related Emoluments in Nigeria, it prescribes penalties for violations.
However, the House, after listening to the sponsor, resolved that since there was an existing Minimum Wage Act, the sponsor should convert it to an amendment to the act instead of bringing it as a fresh law. It is now expected that Hon Gbajabiamila will do further work on the bill and present it to the House at a later date.
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