President Bola Tinubu has called on labour leaders to make a realistic demand for new minimum wage by considering the present economic structure of the country.
Speaking with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by Comrade Joe Ajaero and that of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) led by Comrade Festus Osifo, on Thursday in Abuja, Tinubu said Nigerian workers deserve improved welfare, better wages, as well as safe and enhanced working conditions as the driving force of the nation.
The President said he is concerned about the welfare of Nigerian workers and that his administration is prioritizing their concerns.
A statement signed by spokesman to the president, Ajuri Ngelale, quoted Tinubu as saying : “I pay attention to everything around me. A happy worker is a productive worker. And society depends on the productivity of the happy worker.”
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 on 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.”
