Mohammed Shosanya
The President General of Trade Union Congress, (TUC),Comrade Festus Osifo, has implored the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to implement economic policies that will make value for commodity against usual demand for minimum wage review by workers.
He spoke at the Southwest Trade Union Congress of Nigeria Labour Summit titled; “Repositioning the Labour Movement amid Economic Decline In Nigeria”on Thursday at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo state.
He lamented poor standard of living of Nigerians, especially workers due to unchecked hyperinflation,adding that economic challenge in the country has drastically eroded money for commodity value, thus continually eventuate call for increase in minimum wage by workers.
Festus Osifo emphasized Nigeria’s abundant yet underutilised mineral resources. He criticised the frivolous expenditure of revenue generated from these resources adding that the government must prevent further depreciation of the naira
On minimum wage negotiations, Osifo stated that Nigerian workers seek a living wage, not just a minimum wage.
He advocated for the minimum wage to be renegotiated biennially and adjusted for inflation.
He said, “We call ourselves the giant of Africa, yet we can’t pay a reasonable minimum wage. We are tired of the government telling us to continue coping.”
Speaking,Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal,said his administration will continue to prioritize workers’ good welfare, adding that the state is awaiting the outcome of tripartite committee constituted over the ongoing national minimum wage negotiation as to decide much affordable minimum wage for workers in the state.
He noted that payment of workers salaries, pensions, bonuses as at when due, urging for collaborative efforts with the state labour centres for more socio-economic development.
The Chairman,Trade Union Congress, Oyo State Council, Comrade Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro,maintained that the southwest labour summit will be held periodically to discuss topical issues affecting the wellbeing of workers in the South western region of Nigeria.