Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu has advised organized labour to adopt a realistic approach in their demand for a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
Speaking with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Thursday in Abuja, Tinubu acknowledged the need for improved worker welfare, wages, and working conditions.
Tinubu stated, “I pay attention to everything around me. A happy worker is a productive worker. And society depends on the productivity of the happy worker.”
He emphasized that while he is concerned about the welfare of workers and is prioritizing their concerns, expectations regarding the minimum wage must be realistic. “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.
Tinubu added, “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.”
NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero stressed the need for an upward adjustment to the minimum wage, highlighting the challenges faced by Nigerian workers.
He stated, “Between living wage and minimum wage, we need to find a balance. Things are difficult for the Nigerian worker.”
He also congratulated Tinubu on the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming financial autonomy for local governments, recognizing the president’s role in this achievement.
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“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 added.
TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo noted that inflation has severely impacted the value of the naira and urged the government to expedite measures aimed at alleviating the rising costs of food and transportation.
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