Subsidy: FG to announce new minimum wage
Reports suggest that President Bola Tinubu is gearing up to announce a new minimum wage for Nigerians, as revealed by Comrade Festus Osifo, the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
This disclosure followed the TUC's recent parley with the federal government regarding the removal of fuel subsidies, for which they had given the government a two-week ultimatum to address their demands or face potential industrial action.
During an interview on Channels Television, Osifo mentioned that Minister of Labour Mr. Simon Lalong had met with President Tinubu and Finance Minister Wale Edun concerning the wage issue.
According to Osifo, Lalong conveyed that wage matters had been reviewed, and President Tinubu would make an official statement on the subject in the upcoming days.
Osifo stated, "The minister of labour told us that he had an audience with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the minister of finance and had reviewed the issue of wage award. But the president asked them to fine-tune the issues before he makes the announcement."
Regarding the timeline for the announcement, he explained, "The minister told us all these issues would be streamlined but because the president has traveled, we should give him an extra two weeks.
We said no; we don’t have an extra two weeks to give. After more discussions, he said the president would make a proper announcement next week."
In addition to the minimum wage, the TUC has expressed its intention to monitor the distribution of palliatives in states to ensure the appropriate implementation of the scheme.
They are keen to examine the implementation template, and discussions with the federal government have also touched upon issues related to taxation and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
NLC Demands 200% Wage Award For Workers As Palliative
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has put forth a proposal to the federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, suggesting a substantial 200% wage increase for workers. This proposition aims to alleviate the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies, which has led to an over 200% surge in fuel prices, burdening Nigerians.
Joe Ajaero, the President of the NLC, emphasized the urgency of this wage award in light of the economic challenges faced by workers due to the significant increase in fuel prices.
The NLC's primary request is for the government to address the wage award matter before delving into the issue of minimum wage.
Ajaero explained that considering the magnitude of the fuel price hike, the labor union would be advocating for an "almost 200 percent wage award." He also touched upon other relevant aspects, such as the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative, which could potentially reduce the cost of fuel for consumers.
"We agreed that the federal government has had more than enough time for the past four months, even if there is commitment and genuineness of purpose that between now and the next few days issues will be resolved," Ajaero stated, expressing hope for swift resolutions with the involvement of the Minister of Labour.
In response to a question regarding the Trade Union Congress (TUC) holding a separate meeting with the government, Ajaero clarified that both the NLC and TUC are independent labor centers, each pursuing their unique approaches and engagements with the government.
Watch the video short below
This should be a nice thing to do by the FG as almost all sections of living has increased, salary will also have to increase too . What do you think ?
Yes, with that increase at least people will be able to manage themselves in this economy