The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has expressed grave concerns over the sluggish pace of negotiations surrounding a new national minimum wage and the non-payment of wage awards by several state governments. In a press briefing following the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo addressed these pressing issues affecting Nigerian workers.
Minimum Wage Negotiations: A Crawling Pace Osifo lamented the delay in finalizing negotiations for a new minimum wage, stating that the possibility of having a new wage structure in place before the end of May is slim. He emphasized the urgency of expediting the process, as empowering the working class is crucial for stimulating economic growth and boosting the purchasing power of citizens.
Non-Payment of Wage Awards: A Worrying Trend The TUC president also decried the failure of some state governments, particularly in the resource-rich Niger Delta region, to pay the agreed-upon wage awards or provide palliatives to their workers. Delta, Imo, and Benue were singled out as the worst culprits, despite receiving substantial allocations from the Federation Account.
Osifo urged the Federal Government to immediately release the wage awards for March and April 2024, which have not been paid to federal workers, to alleviate the economic hardship they face.
Obsolete Labour Laws and the Oronsaye Report Additionally, the TUC called for the review of outdated labour laws in the country and demanded representation in the committee tasked with reviewing or implementing the Oronsaye report. Osifo stressed that the organized labour’s input is crucial to ensure that any reforms do not adversely impact their members.
Unilateral Electricity Tariff Hike Condemned The labour union also criticized the Federal Government’s unilateral decision to increase electricity tariffs without consulting stakeholders. Osifo argued that such decisions are not implemented in advanced economies and are particularly concerning given that most Nigerians are still not metered.
Insecurity and Its Impact on Food Prices Osifo highlighted the alarming level of insecurity in the country, lamenting that farmers cannot cultivate their lands due to fears of being killed. He warned that unless the government tackles this issue head-on, food prices and other commodities will continue to soar beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.
The TUC’s call for action underscores the pressing need for the government to prioritize the welfare of Nigerian workers, address economic challenges, and foster an environment conducive to sustainable growth and development.
Reference
New minimum wage won’t be ready in April — Labour published in Vanguard