A day before President Bola Tinubu assured workers of a living wage, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) rebuffed the salary increase of between 25 per cent and 35 per cent for civil servants by the Federal Government, opting instead for a living wage of N615,000 as agreed by the Organised Labour.
On Workers’ Day, Tinubu assured the Nigerian workers that their days of worrying are over.
Mr Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, gave the assurance while delivering his speech at the 2024 May Day celebration, held on Wednesday, at the Eagle Square, Abuja..
Recall that last Tuesday, the Federal Government announced the salary increase for workers, saying the increment took effect from January 1, 2024.
But NLC President, Joe Ajaero, says the Congress is not moved by government’s move describing it as mischievous.
“The announcement appears mischievous because there is no wage increment that government is announcing.
“For them to announce it now, it is an issue that we are worried about at the NLC and even at the TUC.”
On Channels Television on Wednesday, Ajaero added: “We should be in the regime of new minimum wage as of today. Discussions were supposed to have been concluded.
“The Federal Government through the National Assembly legislated on it. But we saw that the discussion entered voice mail because the Federal Government refused to reconvene the meeting that was adjourned.
As far as he is concerned, the minimum wage of N30,000 per month expired on April 18, 2024.
According to him a “living wage is such that will, at least keep you alive. It is not a wage that will make you poor and poorer.
“It is not a wage that will make you borrow to go to work. It is not a wage that will lead you to be in the hospital everyday because of malnutrition. For that living wage, we have tried to look at N615,000.
“Let me give you a breakdown of how we arrived at that figure. We have housing and accommodation of N40,000. We asked for electricity of N20,000. Of course that was before the current tariff increase.
“Nobody can spend this amount currently. We have utility that is about N10,000. We looked at kerosene and gas that is about N25,000 to N35,000.
“We looked at food for a family of six, that is about N9,000 in a day. For 30 days, that is about N270,000. Look at medical, N50,000 provided there will be no surgery or whatever.
“For clothing, we looked at N20,000. For education, N50,000. I don’t know for those who tried to put their children in private school, they will not be able to cope with this amount. We also have sanitation of N10,000.
“I think where we have another bulk of the money is transportation. This is because the workers stay in the fringes and because of the cost of petrol that amounted to N110,000.
“That brought the whole living wage to N615,000 and I want anyone to subject this to further investigation and find out whether there will be any savings when you pay somebody on this rate.”
At the Workers’ Day event, Tinubu appealed to trade unions to continue to use the power of the labour movement for the greater good of the nation, foster harmony and cooperation.
“I stand before you to tell a fundamental truth: you, the workers of our great nation, are its very backbone. But I’m not here merely to echo familiar praises of the labour force.”
Mr Tinubu acknowledged the understanding, patience, commitment, and support trade unions have shown throughout the implementation of government’s policies and programmes aimed at transforming the nation.
“Your contributions have played a significant role in our efforts to rescue the economy since we came on board.
“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 hinge on the willingness of the workers, as the backbone of our workforce, to embrace them wholeheartedly.”
He said that the theme “People First” for this year’s May Day celebration is both instructive and commendable.
The President said the theme resonates with the government’s agenda and demonstrated that the working class holds a central position in the affairs of this nation.
He said that it also reflected the commitment of Organised Labour to collaborate with the government for the benefit of all citizens.
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“You will recall that on January 30th, 2024, the Federal Government convened a 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage.
“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.”
The President assured that his administration was open to the committee’s suggestion of not just a minimum wage but a living wage.
“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.
“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.
“The 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.”
He said that every initiative undertaken by the administration was geared towards transforming Nigeria into a nation that can truly provide for its people.
● Additional report by NAN