Tinubu engages Labour leaders, assures of just, realistic Minimum Wage for Nigerian workers

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu asserts the Nigerian workers deserve improved welfare, better wages, as well as safe and enhanced working conditions as the country’s driving force

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the Nigerian workers deserve improved welfare, better wages, as well as safe and enhanced working conditions as the driving force of the nation.

Tinubu stated this Thursday, July 11, 2024, while engaging the leadership of the Organised Labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by Comrade Joe Ajaero and Comrade Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).

The Nigerian leader, who expressed concern about the welfare of workers, assured that his administration is prioritising their concerns.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Presidential Media and Publicity aide, stated President Tinubu also 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.”

Tinubu to Labour leaders: ‘Cut your coat according to available cloth’

Waxing paradoxical in his remarks, President Tinubu, however, urged the stakeholders on realistic expectations as regards the new National Minimum Wage question.

He said: “You have to cut your coat according to available cloth. Before we can finalise 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.”

Speaking at the meeting, Comrade Ajaero, NLC President emphasised the need for an upward adjustment to the minimum wage.

The statement noted the Labour said: “Between living wage and minimum wage, we need to find a balance. Things are difficult for the Nigerian worker.”

Ajaero also congratulated President Tinubu on the judgement of the Supreme Court affirming the constitutional rights of Local Government Councils (LGCs) as regards financial autonomy and other salient principles of governance at the grassroots.

The NLC Chief stated: “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.”

In his comments also, Comrade Osifo, President of TUC, said inflation has adversely affected the value of the Naira, and that the measures which the Federal Government has initiated to address the rising cost of food and transportation need to kick in to give citizens relief.

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 reduce the prices of food items, if properly implemented, stated he,

Osifo also stated: “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.”

Further talks were adjourned until next week to allow for wider consultation with all stakeholder, Ngelale said in the statement.

Kindly Share This Story