President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the need for improved welfare, better wages, and enhanced working conditions for Nigerian workers, recognizing them as the driving force of the nation.
This was conveyed during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by Joe Ajaero and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) led by Comrade Festus Osifo on Thursday in Abuja.
According to a statement by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu expressed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing workers’ 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 stated.
However, Tinubu called for realistic expectations regarding the minimum wage issue. He posed critical questions, suggesting a more dynamic approach: “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.”
Calls for Balance and Commendations
NLC President Joe Ajaero highlighted the need for an upward adjustment to the minimum wage, saying, “Between living wage and minimum wage, we need to find a balance. Things are difficult for the Nigerian worker.”
He also congratulated President Tinubu on the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming the financial autonomy of local governments.
“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,” Ajaero added.
TUC President Festus Osifo addressed the adverse impact of inflation on the value of the naira and urged the government to ensure the implementation of measures to alleviate the rising costs of food and transportation.
He noted that the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses would help reduce transportation costs, while the suspension of duties on certain food imports could lower food prices if properly executed.
“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,” Osifo stated.
Further Consultations
The discussions concluded with an agreement to reconvene next week for further consultations with all stakeholders, aiming to find comprehensive solutions to the pressing issues affecting Nigerian workers.