Kehinde Fajobi
Former Edo State governor and current senator, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has criticised Nigeria’s wage system, arguing that poor compensation weakens economic productivity and endangers national security.
Speaking at a Distinguished Personality Lecture hosted by the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) in Abuja, Oshiomhole contended that Nigerian workers remain impoverished despite the recent increase in the national minimum wage.
In his lecture titled “National Minimum Wage: Reward System and Productivity in Africa,” Oshiomhole detailed how low wages perpetuate economic struggles, leaving workers vulnerable to manipulation.
He stated, “Workers face fluctuating salaries and job insecurity, as employers can easily hire and fire employees. Despite paying union dues, workers often receive minimal support from trade unions, leading to questioning their effectiveness.”
Oshiomhole further highlighted the challenges in collective bargaining and the right to strike, which he described as essential tools for achieving fair wages.
“Historically, the right to organise was suppressed, which limited workers’ ability to negotiate collectively. Industrial sabotage emerged as a form of protest against poor conditions,” he explained.
He pointed out that discrepancies in minimum and maximum wages foster dissatisfaction, noting, “Significant disparities exist between minimum and maximum wages across sectors, leading to dissatisfaction among workers. The wealthy often benefit from state protection, while the poor struggle.”
Oshiomhole argued that inflation has eroded purchasing power, making life more difficult for workers than in the past despite nominal wage increases.
Department of State Services (DSS) Director-General Adeola Ajayi shared similar concerns, noting that fair wages reduce the likelihood of worker exploitation and foster national stability.
In his remarks, NISS Commandant Joseph Odama praised Oshiomhole’s dedication to labour advocacy, stressing that fair wages are essential to national productivity and sustainable development.
Odama stated, “The national minimum wage is a pressing issue in our economic discourse today, affecting millions of Nigerians and influencing both individual lives and national productivity. A well-designed reward system can drive worker motivation, improve efficiency, and promote economic growth, while poorly structured policies can demoralise the workforce.”
Oshiomhole concluded by emphasising that fair wages are critical for economic growth, worker morale, and national security, urging policymakers to consider the broader implications of wage policies.