Mohammed Shosanya
A Kwara-based activist and public affairs analyst, Comrade Ishowo Olanrewaju, has urged the federal government, labour unions and other stakeholders to finalise negotiations and reach agreement for a fair and sustainable wage that reflects the country’s current economic reality.
Ishowo,who made the call through opinion piece he released on Thursday morning, said it was disturbing that more than a year after fuel subsidy removal and promise of improved wages, the Tinubu-led government was yet to begin implementation of a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers, who he said continue to bear the brunt of the economic policies of the present administration.
He, however, described as a positive development the decision of Tinubu to seek the approval of the National Assembly to increase the 2024 budget by N6.2tn to accommodate the new minimum wage.
According to him, the president’s move reflects not only his understanding of the pressing needs of the labour force but also his dedication to ensuring a fair and just economic environment for all Nigerians.
While lauding the president’s commitment to workers’ welfare, Ishowo urged the federal government to strike a balance between labour demands and its capacity, stressing that “balance is crucial to avoid overburdening the government’s resources while still meeting the legitimate expectations of the workers.”
He also called on governors to embrace Tinubu’s initiative by revising their respective states’ 2024 budgets to capture the new minimum wage, so as to ensure uniformity and effectiveness nationwide.
“The federal government’s initiative must be mirrored at the state level to ensure uniformity and effectiveness. We urge all state governors, led by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, to also go back to their respective Houses of Assembly to revise their 2024 budgets. It is crucial that the new minimum wage is captured in these revisions and that the payment starts as soon as the National Assembly approves the new wage bill. This collective effort will demonstrate a unified commitment to improving the living standards of Nigerian workers nationwide,” Ishowo said.
Continuing, the activist lamented that “it is alarming to observe that some governors have colluded with the National Assembly to avoid reviewing Section 34 of the Constitution, which empowers NASS to make laws regarding the national minimum wage.
“Decentralizing this power would constitute a sabotage by the NASS, as many governors are not even willing to review the current wage. This law, which enables their indifferent stance, undermines our democratic system and the welfare of workers. It is crucial to condemn these actions, as allowing governors to determine the minimum wage individually could lead to gross inconsistencies and exploitation across different states.
“The National Assembly holds significant power in this process. It is essential that NASS members act with the fear of God and genuine sympathy for the masses they represent. The responsibility lies with them to ensure that the new minimum wage is not only passed but that it is a living wage.
“The proposed ₦62,000, while an improvement, is still meagre and may not withstand the economic pressures faced by many Nigerians. The NASS has the authority to review and amend the amount proposed by the executive and they should use this opportunity to advocate for a wage that truly meets the needs of the people.”
Ishowo appealed to the national lawmakers, especially those representing his Constituency at the National Assembly, Senator Saliu Mustapha and Honorable Mukhtar Shagaya to resist any attempt at sabotage in the National Assembly and ensure the integrity of the national minimum wage is preserved.
“In light of these concerns, I appeal to Senator Saliu Mustapha representing Kwara Central and Honorable Mukhtar representing Ilorin West in the Senate and House of Representatives respectively, to resist any attempts at NASS sabotage. They must ensure that the integrity of the national minimum wage is preserved and that it remains a federal mandate, ensuring uniformity and fairness for all Nigerian workers. Their proactive stance will be crucial in safeguarding the rights and well-being of their constituents and the nation at large,” he submitted.