The House of Representatives has stepped down a Bill that seeks to prohibit late payment, non-payment and underpayment of workers’ wages, pensions and other emoluments in Nigeria. According to the Bill sponsor, Femi Gbajabiamila (APC: Lagos), the Bill also prescribes penalties for the non-payment of salaries and other related matters.
Leading the debate at the plenary session of 13th July 2016, Hon. Gbajabiamila expressed worries over incessant complaints from workers over the delay and non- payment of their wages. He also commended workers for their commitment and enthusiasm in performing their duties despite their untold hardships. However, he called for a rectification of the issue, stating that the failure to pay salaries was an infringement of the rights of employees and in variance with sections 33 and 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Sections 33 and 34 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee the right to life and respect for the dignity of the person respectively.
Nonetheless, not all lawmakers shared this view as the Bill raised notable objections from Hon. Emmanuel Orker-Jev (APC; Benue) and Hon. Edward Pwajok (PDP: Plateau). For instance, Hon. Orker-Jev opposed the Bill on the grounds that it would duplicate existing law since the National Minimum Wages Act criminalizes the non-payment of wages. Hon. Pwajok’s analysis of the Bill also revealed that the Bill failed to include the regulatory authority to make complaints in the event of late payment, non-payment and underpayment of workers’ wages, pensions and other emoluments.
In view of the aforementioned objections, the Bill was stepped down for further review and amendments.
Click here to view the Bill.
