Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu has assured organized labour of his commitment to a just and realistic minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
According to the President, Nigerian workers deserve improved welfare, better wages, as well as safe and enhanced working conditions. These, Tinibu said, will help to drive the nation’s economy.
The President stated this while speaking with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by Joe Ajaero and that of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) led by Comrade Festus Osifo, on Thursday in Abuja.
This was disclosed by the President’s media aide, Ajuri Ngelale. He said the President is concerned about the welfare of Nigerian workers and that his administration is prioritizing their concerns.
Tinubu said, “I pay attention to everything around me. A happy worker is a productive worker. And society depends on the productivity of the happy worker.”
According to him, the President called for realistic expectations as regards the minimum wage question.
He said, “You have to cut your coat according to available cloth. Before we can finalize the minimum wage process, we have to look at the structure.
“Why must we adjust wages every five years? Why not two? And why not three years? What is a problem today, can be eased up tomorrow. There is much dynamism to this process if we are not myopic in our approaches. We can take a surgical approach that is based on pragmatism and a deep understanding of all factors.”
In his remarks, Ajaero, emphasized the need for an upward adjustment to the minimum wage. He pointed that, “Between living wage and minimum wage, we need to find a balance. Things are difficult for the Nigerian worker.”
The NLC President used the occasion to congratulate President Tinubu on the Supreme Court judgment.
Recall that the Supreme Court affirmed the constitutional rights of Local Governments as regards financial autonomy and other salient principles.
Addressing President Tinubu, Ajaero said, “I have to congratulate you on the issue of local government autonomy. We have been in the streets protesting for Local Government autonomy. Now that there is light at the end of the tunnel, it will amount to ungratefulness if we fail to commend you.”
On his part, the TUC President, Osifo stated that inflation has adversely affected the value of the Naira. He maintained that the measures initiated by the government to address the rising cost of food and transportation need to kick in to give citizens relief.
Osido said, “The rollout of Compressed Natural Gas, CGN, powered buses will help in checking the high cost of transportation. While the recent directive on the suspension of duty on certain food imports will bring down the prices of food items if properly implemented.
“We commend you on the landmark judgement of the Supreme Court. History will not forget what has happened today. With this judgement, we believe Nigeria will make progress,” the TUC President said.
Further talks were adjourned until next week to allow for wider consultation with all stakeholders.
source: Channels TV
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