By Precious Mark
The Federal Government on Friday inaugurated the newly appointed board of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), charging members to provide strategic leadership that ensures fair remuneration, enhanced productivity, and industrial harmony across the country.
The inauguration ceremony was performed in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who described the event as a significant milestone during a critical period in Nigeria’s economic transformation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Akume noted that the commission occupies a vital position in balancing public service compensation with fiscal sustainability, especially following the implementation of the new national minimum wage framework.
“The role of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission 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,” Akume stated.
The SGF tasked the new board with recommending compensation models that reflect current economic realities by relying heavily on data, research, and equity.
“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 are crucial,” he added.
The newly inaugurated board is chaired by Major General Junaid Bindawa (retd.), while a former member of the House of Representatives from Lagos, Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, serves as secretary.
Other members of the board include Dr. Ogbole Ene Lilian (Benue), Oladele Olatubosun (Oyo), and Yakubu Umar Barde (Kaduna) as commissioners. Additional members include Dr. Mai Adamu Yau (Borno), Ginika Florence Tor (Enugu), Engr. Lawrence Okoh (Edo), and Bello Moronke Iyabode (Kogi).
Responding on behalf of the board, the Chairman, Major General Bindawa (retd.), expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, assuring that the commission will work collaboratively with Organised Labour to maintain industrial peace.
Bindawa acknowledged the significance of the commission’s mandate regarding workers’ welfare and public service efficiency, pledging that the board will uphold fairness, constructive engagement, and transparency in executing its duties.