The Nigerian Government has inaugurated the new Board of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) with a charge to provide strategic leadership that ensures fair remuneration, improved productivity, and industrial harmony in Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Friday, 14th August, 2026 in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, described the event as significant, coming at a critical period in Nigeria’s economic transformation under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
He noted that President Tinubu’s administration is implementing far-reaching reforms to restore economic stability, strengthen productivity, improve workers’ welfare, and lay the foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth.
“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,” he said.
The SGF stated that the challenge before the new Board is to maintain an appropriate balance between fair and decent remuneration, improved productivity, affordability, and the broader economic realities of the nation.
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Akume highlighted that the appointment comes at a crucial time following the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage framework, which has raised expectations among workers while placing greater responsibilities on Government and employers.
He urged the Board to ensure its recommendations are evidence-based, transparent, timely, equitable and fiscally responsible, and underpinned by robust research and reliable data on wages, productivity, purchasing power and economic growth.
“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 is crucial,” Akume emphasised.
The SGF reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s commitment to supporting institutions that advance the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that NSIWC has an important role in ensuring that the benefits of economic reforms translate into improved livelihoods and a more stable industrial environment.
President Tinubu appointed nine other members to the commission alongside the new Board Chairman, Major General Junaid Bindawa (Rtd.)
Former member of the House of Representatives from Lagos, Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, was appointed Secretary of the Commission.
Dr. Ogbole Ene Lilian, Oladele Olatubosun and Yakubu Umar Barde, representing Benue, Oyo and Kaduna states respectively, were appointed commissioners.
Others appointed as members are Dr Mai Adamu Yau from Borno State; Ginika Florence Tor from Enugu State, Engineer Lawrence Okoh from Edo State and Bello Moronke Iyabode from Kogi State.
Mr Akume congratulated the Chairman and members of the board and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by providing “visionary, responsible and results-oriented leadership.”
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the new Board, Major General Junaid Bindawa (Retired), expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in them through their appointment.
He gave the assurance that the Board is committed to constructive engagement and will work harmoniously with the Organised Labour.
Major General Bindawa acknowledged the weight of responsibilities entrusted to the Board, which include overseeing salaries, wages, incomes and productivity, key areas that affect workers’ welfare and the delivery of quality public service.
