The N57,000 minimum wage being proposed by the Federal Government cannot alleviate the sufferings of Nigerian workers, Deputy National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi has declared.
Olorunfemi stated this on Thursday in Lagos, asking “What percentage do we want to call that in the light of the current economic challenges and inflation?
He told President Bola Tinubu not to renege on his promise to give Nigerian workers a living wage, adding that he should show he cares for workers by fixing a minimum wage that reflects the present economic realities.
“I think the President needs to come out clear and show workers that he cares about their well-being
“In fact, Nigerian workers need a living wage not the figures being offered. The President must fulfil his promised living wage to labour,” Olorunfemi said.
Olorunfemi, a former General Secretary, Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporation and Government-Owned Companies (SASGOC), also urged the government to provide palliatives, including free transportation for workers, to cushion the effects of economic hardship.
The Organised Labour had walked out on the Tripartite Committee on New Minimum Wage, when the Federal Government proposed N48,000 as new wage for workers in the country.
It again rejected the offer of N54,000 and N57,000 minimum wage offered by the government during the resumed national minimum wage negotiation on Wednesday.
The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, had insisted on N615,000 as minimum wage, but later brought it down to N497,000.
Ajaero argued that the amount was arrived at, after an analysis of the current economic situation and the needs of an average Nigerian family of six.
