I’m concerned about Nigerian workers, committed to realistic minimum wage, says Tinub

President Bola Tinubu has said he is concerned about the welfare of Nigerian workers and that his government is committed to a fair and realistic minimum wage.

According to a statement by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the President stated this on Thursday during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress led by Joe Ajaero and that of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria led by Festus Osifo, at the State House in Abuja.

The President stated that Nigerian workers deserve improved welfare, better wages, as well as safe and enhanced working conditions as the driving force of the nation.

President Tinubu said he is concerned about the plight of Nigerian workers and that his administration is prioritizing 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 President said.

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.”

“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 emphasized the need for an upward adjustment to the minimum wage due to the current economic situation of the country.

He said, “Between living wage and minimum wage, we need to find a balance. Things are difficult for the Nigerian worker.”

Ajaero 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,” he said.

In his remarks, the TUC President 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.

He said 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 Osifo said.

The statement added that further talks were adjourned until next week to allow for wider consultation with all stakeholders.