President Bola Tinubu says he is open to the idea of a “living wage” for Nigerian workers.
In a message to mark International Workers Day celebration
at the Eagle Square, Tinubu, who was represented at the event by Vice-President
Kashim Shettima, hailed Nigerian workers for their fidelity to the peace,
progress, and development of the nation.
He also said the tripartite committee on a new minimum wage
was yet to reach a resolution before May Day.
“You would recall that on January 30th, 2024, the Federal Government convened a 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage,” the president said.
“The committee’s
mandate was to provide counsel and suggest a national minimum wage that aligns
with our current economic conditions.
“Since then, the committee, in collaboration with labour
leaders, has been diligently working towards proposing a new National Minimum
Wage.
“Unfortunately, despite concerted efforts, the committee was
unable to reach a consensus at its last meeting. This shall be resolved soon
and I assure you that your days of worrying are over.”
Organised labour has insisted on a new living wage of
N615,000 for workers. In his address, Tinubu said he is open to the idea of a
living wage, as opposed to a minimum wage.
“Indeed, this government is open to the committee’s
suggestion of not just a minimum wage but a living wage,” the president added.
The president also asked workers to trust his
administration.
“Great Nigerian Workers, we cannot achieve a just and
equitable society that caters to the needs of every member, including the
strong and the weak, without fostering peace and unity,” he said.
“Our shared vision
for national growth and development can only be realised in an atmosphere of
industrial harmony and peaceful coexistence in every segment of our country.
“Dividends we have promised the nation, and which you work
tirelessly to ensure, can only be achieved when we all unite for progress.
“On this momentous day, I urge you and all our fellow
citizens to place your trust in this administration. The seeds of greatness
planted in our nation are beginning to bear fruit, and they promise a future
filled with hope and bound by prosperity.
“Let me assure you, with the utmost sincerity, that every
initiative undertaken by this administration is geared towards transforming
Nigeria into a nation that can truly provide for its people.
“So, I call upon each
and every one of you, as I have consistently done, to join hands in shaping the
destiny of our nation towards greatness.
“Our allegiance and patriotism are the bedrock upon which
our beloved country thrives. The success of our government’s policies and
programmes hinges on the willingness of the workers, as the backbone of our
workforce, to embrace them wholeheartedly.
“I appeal to you to
continue using the power of the labour movement for the greater good of our
nation, fostering harmony and cooperation.
“Once more, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on this
successful Workers’ Day celebration, and I wish you all joyous festivities.”
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