…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media. The Federal Government of Nigeria has developed a National Pay Policy (NPP) to address workplace arbitrariness and ensure fair compensation for Nigerian workers.
Ekpo Nta, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Salaries Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), announced this initiative in Abuja.
Calculation of Salary Based on Work Hours and Quality:
According to Nta, the NPP will determine salary payments by considering the number of hours an employee spends at work and the quality of their performance.
This approach aims to establish a transparent system in which workers are rewarded appropriately based on their time and effort invested.
Guidelines for Employment and Compensation:
Nta emphasizes the importance of implementing policies to regulate employment and compensation, both in government organizations and private companies.
For instance, in government positions, there will be guidelines specifying the duration of employment, such as 35 years or until reaching the age of 60, whichever comes first.
Determining Remuneration:
Under the NPP, various factors will influence remuneration, including working hours, shift patterns, and responsibilities.
For example, employees in the information sector may not have fixed working hours.
Additionally, the policy will consider not only the base salary but also additional allowances and fringe benefits, such as healthcare vouchers or transportation services.
Frequency of Salary Payment and Increments:
The NPP will define the frequency of salary payments, such as monthly or weekly.
Moreover, it will outline when and how often salary increments should occur.
Automatic increments after a specific period, such as one year, will be part of the policy.
Inflation will also be taken into account when determining whether a salary adjustment is necessary, with corresponding percentages or indices utilized.
Employer Responsibilities and Budget Constraints:
Employers will be required to assess their income and financial capacity before recruiting workers.
This will enable them to determine the number of employees they can afford to hire.
Nta explains that even at a personal level, individuals should consider their budgetary limitations when recruiting domestic staff, such as drivers.
They may need to adjust working hours or negotiate terms within their means.
Conclusion:
The introduction of the National Pay Policy by the Federal Government aims to establish fair and consistent compensation practices for Nigerian workers.
By considering factors such as work hours, quality of work, and various allowances, the policy strives to ensure transparency and mitigate arbitrary practices.
Employers, both in the public and private sectors, will be required to adhere to these guidelines to foster a conducive working environment and promote financial stability.