PRESIDENT TINUBU TO LABOUR LEADERS: I AM CONCERNED ABOUT NIGERIAN WORKERS AND COMMITTED TO A JUST, REALISTIC MINIMUM WAGE
President Bola Tinubu says Nigerian workers deserve improved welfare, better wages, as well as safe and enhanced working conditions as the driving force of the nation.
Speaking with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by Comrade Joe Ajaero and that of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) led by Comrade Festus Osifo, on Thursday in Abuja, President Tinubu said he is concerned about the welfare of Nigerian workers and that his administration is prioritizing their concerns.
"I pay attention to everything around me. A happy worker is a productive worker. And society depends on the productivity of the happy worker," the President said.
However, the President called for realistic expectations as regards the minimum wage question, stating: "You have to cut your coat according to available cloth. Before we can finalize on the minimum wage process, we have to look at the structure."
"Why must we adjust wages every five years? Why not two? 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, the NLC President, Comrade Ajaero, emphasized the need for an upward adjustment to the minimum wage, noting: "Between living wage and minimum wage, we need to find a balance. Things are difficult for the Nigerian worker."
He congratulated the President on the judgement of the Supreme Court affirming the constitutional rights of local governments as regards financial autonomy and other salient principles.
"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," the NLC President said.
The TUC President, Comrade Osifo, said inflation has adversely affected the value of the naira and that the measures initiated by the government to address the rising cost of food and transportation need to kick in to give citizens relief.
He said the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas-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 also said.
Further talks were adjourned until next week to allow for wider consultation with all stakeholders.
Of course, a fair wage is acceptable. Not the bogus one that will never be paid.
ReplyDeleteOfon
ReplyDeleteIs better that way..
ReplyDeleteHello iya boys
Labour sef should be reasonable.😎
ReplyDeleteWe have been on this minimum wage issue for over a year. There have been several committees to address the matter.
ReplyDeleteThank God the President has now openly acknowledged that he's aware of the sufferings of the masses. What then is the delay in passing a fair and reasonable wage to civil servants?
On another note, I don't understand why they are commending the President over a decision of the Supreme Court? What happened to the doctrine of separation of powers?
Exactly
ReplyDeleteThe labour too should propose a reasonable minimum wage
I'm tired of all these empty promises from the president to his people. Let him commit to actions.
ReplyDeleteRead Dr Okonjo Iweala's comment on the state of the nation somewhere and felt so sorry for our country 😔
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