President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian workers, emphasizing the need for better wages and enhanced working conditions.
According to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President in a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by Comrade Joe Ajaero, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), led by Comrade Festus Osifo, expressed his concern for Nigerian workers and highlighted his administration’s prioritization of 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,” President Tinubu stated.
Addressing the issue of minimum wage, the President called for realistic expectations and a pragmatic approach: “You have to cut your coat according to available cloth. Before we can finalize 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.”
NLC President, Comrade Ajaero, underscored the necessity for an upward adjustment of the minimum wage: “Between living wage and minimum wage, we need to find a balance. Things are difficult for the Nigerian worker.” He also congratulated President Tinubu on the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming the financial autonomy of local governments, a cause for which the NLC has long advocated.
TUC President, Comrade Osifo, highlighted the adverse impact of inflation on the naira’s value and praised government measures aimed at reducing the cost of living, such as the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses and the suspension of duties on certain food imports.
“We commend you on the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court. History will not forget what has happened today. With this judgment, we believe Nigeria will make progress,” Osifo added.
Further discussions were adjourned until next week to allow for broader consultation with all stakeholders.
