In a meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu affirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing the welfare and working conditions of Nigerian workers.
President Tinubu acknowledged the crucial role of workers as the driving force of the nation, stating, “A happy worker is a productive worker. And society depends on the productivity of the happy worker.” He emphasized that his administration prioritizes the well-being of Nigerian workers.
However, the President called for realistic expectations regarding the minimum wage, suggesting that the adjustment period could be shortened from the current five-year cycle. “Why must we adjust wages every five years? Why not two? Why not three years?” he questioned, noting that the economic landscape can change rapidly, and a more dynamic approach is necessary.
NLC President Joe Ajaero echoed the need for an upward adjustment to the minimum wage, highlighting the financial difficulties faced by workers. Ajaero also commended the President’s efforts on securing local government autonomy, a long-standing demand of the union.
TUC President Festus Osifo expressed concerns about the impact of inflation on the value of the naira, urging the government to implement measures to alleviate the rising cost of living, particularly in the areas of food and transportation. Osifo welcomed the recent directives on suspending duties on certain food imports and the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses, which he believed would provide relief to citizens.
The meeting underscored the President’s commitment to addressing the welfare and concerns of Nigerian workers, while also emphasizing the need for a collaborative and realistic approach to finding solutions that benefit both the government and the labor unions.