Nigerian workers deserve improved welfare, better wages, as well as safe and enhanced working conditions as the driving force of the nation, President Bola Tinubu had said.
According to a statement by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja, while speaking with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by Joe Ajaero and that of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) led by Comrade Festus Osifo.
Ngelale said that the President 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 statement quoted President Tinubu as saying.
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 finalize the minimum wage process, we have to look at the structure.
He said: “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.”
In his remarks, the NLC President, 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 worker.”
He congratulated the President on the judgement of the Supreme Court affirming the constitutional rights of local governments as regards financial autonomy and other salient principles.
“I have to congratulate you on the issue of local government autonomy. We have been in the streets protesting for local government autonomy. Now that there is light at the end of the tunnel, it will amount to ungratefulness if we fail to commend you,” Ajaero said.
Also speaking at the meeting, the TUC President, Osifo said inflation has adversely affected the value of the naira and that the measures initiated by the government to address the rising cost of food and transportation need to kick in to give citizens relief.
According to Osifo, the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses will help in checking the high cost of transportation, while the recent directive on the suspension of duty on certain food imports will bring down the prices of food items if properly implemented.
“We commend you on the landmark judgement of the Supreme Court. History will not forget what has happened today. With this judgement, we believe Nigeria will make progress,” the TUC President added.
The Presidential spokesperson said that further talks were adjourned until next week to allow for wider consultation with all stakeholders.