Governors under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have backed labour’s demand for a new minimum wage, saying it is “eminently justified”.
The PDP governors made their opinion known in a communiqué signed by the spokesman, Bala Mohammed and issued on Wednesday at the end of their meeting in Enugu State.
Mohammed addressing the media on behalf of the PDP governors said a minimum wage increase is important, especially with the worsening economic hardship in Nigeria.
They, however, believe that the final agreement on the new national minimum wage must be realistic, taking into consideration the capacity of all levels of government to pay their workers.
“While the Forum fully supports labour’s demand, agreement must take into consideration the ability to pay by the local government, sub-national and federal government,” the communiqué read.
“While negotiations are ongoing, we appeal for restraint in both utterances and actions that could lead to the complete breakdown of law and order and ultimately, the collapse of the economy.”
President Bola Tinubu recently declared that Nigerian workers deserve improved welfare, better wages, as well as safe and enhanced working conditions as the driving force of the nation.
Tinubu also canvassed for adjustment of wages for Nigerian workers, questioning why the exercise has to wait till after every five years.
“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,” the President said.
“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.”
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 finalise on the minimum wage process, we have to look at the structure.”
Speaking while meeting 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 in Abuja, President Tinubu said he is concerned about the welfare of Nigerian workers and that his administration is prioritising 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.
In his remarks, the NLC President, Comrade Ajaero, emphasised 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 workers.”
Labour is demanding for at least a new minimum wage of N250,000 while the Federal Government is looking at between N60,000 and N62,000, meaning both parties are far from reaching an agreement.
