President Bola Tinubu has underscored the critical need for improved welfare, better wages, and safer working conditions for Nigerian workers, acknowledging their vital role as the nation's driving force.
During a meeting on Thursday in Abuja with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by Comrade Joe Ajaero, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), led by Comrade Festus Osifo, President Tinubu emphasized his administration's commitment to prioritizing workers' concerns.
"A happy worker is a productive worker," Tinubu stated. "Society thrives on the productivity of content workers."
However, Tinubu called for realistic expectations regarding the minimum wage debate. "Why must we adjust wages every five years? Why not every two or three years? We need a pragmatic approach, considering all factors."
NLC President, Comrade Ajaero, highlighted the need for a balanced adjustment to the minimum wage. "We must find a middle ground between a living wage and a minimum wage," he said, while also congratulating Tinubu on the Supreme Court's affirmation of local governments' financial autonomy.
TUC President, Comrade Osifo, pointed out the adverse effects of inflation on the naira and emphasized the need for government measures to alleviate rising food and transportation costs. He commended initiatives like the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses and the suspension of duties on certain food imports.
Despite the productive discussions, the meeting yielded no resolution on the contentious new minimum wage. While the government and organized private sector proposed a minimum wage of N62,000, the organized labour stood firm on N250,000 for the least paid worker.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for next week to continue discussions, allowing labour representatives to internalize the issues raised. Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, expressed optimism for a resolution, likening the meeting to a discussion between a father and his children.
NLC President Ajaero clarified that the meeting was more of a discussion on current economic realities rather than a negotiation. Both sides agreed to reconvene after further internal deliberations.
TUC President Osifo reiterated the importance of addressing the economic challenges faced by Nigerians, stating, "We laid out all the economic issues before the President, and he acknowledged them. We hope for a positive outcome in our next meeting."
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, echoed this optimism, anticipating a workable agreement for all Nigerians.
An anonymous source revealed that President Tinubu proposed more frequent wage reviews and urged organized labour to consider the N62,000 offer, noting it was double the previous wage of N30,000. However, NLC President Ajaero pointed out that the current least paid worker earns N72,000, including wage awards and increases, to which Tinubu responded with laughter.
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