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.
During a meeting on Thursday in Abuja 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, Tinubu underscored his administration’s commitment to prioritizing workers’ concerns.
A statement by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, highlighted the President’s focus on worker welfare. “I pay attention to everything around me. A happy worker is a productive worker. And society depends on the productivity of the happy worker,” Tinubu remarked.
However, the President urged for realistic expectations regarding the minimum wage discussion, 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 response, NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized the need for an upward adjustment to the minimum wage, noting, “Between living wage and minimum wage, we need to find a balance. Things are difficult for the Nigerian worker.” He also congratulated the President on the Supreme Court judgment affirming the constitutional rights of local governments concerning financial autonomy and other key 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,” Ajaero said.
TUC President Festus Osifo addressed the impact of inflation on the value of the naira and stressed the need for government measures to alleviate the rising cost of food and transportation. He mentioned that the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses would help reduce transportation costs, and the suspension of duty on certain food imports would lower food prices if properly implemented. “We commend you on the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court. History will not forget what has happened today. With this judgment, we believe Nigeria will make progress,” Osifo stated.
Further discussions were adjourned until next week to allow for broader consultation with all stakeholders.