A group known as Committee of Youths on Mobilization and Sensitization, CYMS, has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to align its minimum wage demand with governments’ ability to pay sustainably.
The group made the appeal in a statement by its Director-General, Obinna Nwaka, during a thanksgiving service. The group was marking the end of the 2024 Youths’ Week at the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Nyanya, Abuja on Sunday.
Speaking on the theme of the thanksgiving, “Promotion of Peaceful Coexistence and Religious Co-creation in our Nation”, Nwaka said organized labour should be realistic in their demand.
According to him, considering the current economic challenges in the country, “the Federal and State Governments may struggle to pay the new minimum wage. That is if the amount is unrealistic.”
“The N250,000 demand as minimum wage by the NLC for workers is not sustainable. This is considering the country’s current financial situation,” he said.
Nwaka pointed that Nigeria is still recovering from the economic difficulties of the past administration. He, therefore, warned the Government against making promises that could destabilize the nation.
The Director-General also maintained that a substantial salary increase would be insufficient if critical infrastructure and public services remain inadequate.
He, therefore, advised labour to also pay attention to addressing broader systemic issues. Rather than focusing solely on wage increase.
“We are in the same shoes. There are other areas labour for example, can advocate for good governance. it’s not just all about minimum wage,” Nwaka added.
He, however, called on the NLC to channel their efforts towards advocating for improved healthcare and education services. And to also include the provisions of critical infrastructure in their demand.
According to him, this could have a more significant impact on the quality of life of the Nigerian workers.
He said, “Even if they are paying you 500,000 Naira as a salary, it will not be enough. If a healthcare facility is not there; if infrastructure is not there; and if we cannot even send our children to a public school.
“The NLC should focus on motivating the Government to invest in these essential sectors.”
Speaking earlier, the minister in charge, Rev. Samuel Labuja, said the conversations, throughout the youths’ week, reflected the nation’s quest for unity and development.
He, therefore, advised the youths to maximize their potential and invest in self-reliance ventures. He warned them against depending on white-collar jobs.
“The youths should understand that we can’t live together without peace. And the best we can do to make the nation move forward is to live in peace.
“Youths should learn not to depend on salary alone. They should make use of their God-given talents to earn more resources.
“Whatever you are doing to earn a living, do it well to the glory of God,” he said.
The Church’s Youths President, Bobby Odia, described the week-long youths’ conference as impactful.
He stated that the youths, as leaders of tomorrow, have understood the need to contribute their resources towards the development of the country.
“We just celebrated the 2024 Youths’ Week with the theme, “Stand Firm and Take Charge”. And for us to be the future of tomorrow, we have to utilize our energy for the good of our nation,” he said.
source: NAN.
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