Lawmakers in the House of Representatives from opposition parties are urging the Federal Government to adopt a new minimum wage surpassing N100,000 to address the concerns of organized labor. This plea comes in the wake of demands from the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, who are advocating for a minimum wage of N494,000, contrasting the government’s proposed N60,000.
Following unsuccessful negotiations culminating in a stalemate last week, organized labor initiated a nationwide strike on Monday, paralyzing economic activities nationwide. Speaking to The PUNCH on Tuesday, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, decried the plight of the average Nigerian worker, emphasizing that failing to provide a livable wage amounts to a breach of the constitution.
Chinda asserted, “In Nigeria today, any wage below $200 (N298,800) is absurd. Nigerian workers are grossly underpaid, and it is incumbent upon the government to ensure the welfare of its citizens. Neglecting to pay a living wage is unconstitutional as it disregards the welfare of citizens.”
Echoing Chinda’s sentiments, Oluwole Oke, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State, emphasized that only a living wage could enable the majority of Nigerians to cope with the current economic challenges. He proposed a minimum wage of N120,000, citing the interconnectedness and repercussions of wage increments.
Oke, who chairs the House Committee on Judiciary, called for consideration of the private sector’s productivity, questioning whether it could sustain the government. “We need to assess the productivity of the private sector. Can the private sector, which sustains the government, thrive? This is a critical issue,” he added.
Similarly, Chinedu Obika, representing Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency of the Federal Capital Territory and a member of the Labour Party, advocated for a minimum wage not less than N150,000, considering the prevailing economic conditions. He urged the government to account for the inflation rate over the past few years in determining the new wage for Nigerian workers.
