President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian workers, emphasizing the need for better wages and enhanced working conditions. In a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Thursday in Abuja, the President underscored his administration’s dedication to addressing workers’ concerns.
“Nigerian workers deserve improved welfare, better wages, and safe working conditions as they are the driving force of the nation,” President Tinubu stated, according to a release by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngegale. “A happy worker is a productive worker. And society depends on the productivity of the happy worker.”
While advocating for improved wages, the President called for realistic expectations regarding the minimum wage. “We need to consider the structure before finalizing the minimum wage process. Why adjust wages every five years? Why not two or three years? We can adopt a pragmatic approach based on a deep understanding of all factors,” he noted.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, stressed the necessity for an upward adjustment of the minimum wage. “Between a living wage and a minimum wage, we need to find a balance. Things are difficult for the Nigerian worker,” he said. He also congratulated President Tinubu on the Supreme Court’s judgement affirming the financial autonomy of local governments, which the NLC had long advocated.
TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, highlighted the adverse effects of inflation on the naira and the urgent need for government measures to alleviate the rising cost of living. He commended the government’s initiatives, such as the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses to reduce transportation costs and the suspension of duties on certain food imports to lower food prices.
Further discussions were adjourned until next week to allow for broader consultation with all stakeholders.
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