The House of Representatives has strongly criticized organized labor, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, for disseminating what it labels as “misleading earnings” of its members. They assert that such actions are aimed at provoking public animosity against lawmakers and tarnishing the credibility of the legislative body. Emphasizing the potential repercussions, the House warns that such behavior could sow public discord and compromise the legislature’s integrity, urging for those undermining the nation’s economy to be held accountable.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, on Tuesday, the House acknowledges the recent industrial action by the NLC and TUC due to stalled negotiations over a new national minimum wage. Expressing willingness to engage in dialogue, the House assures its commitment to resolving issues in the best interest of Nigerians.
While affirming support for improved wages and working conditions, House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen underscores the importance of cautious economic decision-making to avoid adverse outcomes such as inflation and job losses. The House condemns the disruption of critical infrastructure during strikes, viewing it as economic sabotage that harms the nation.
Furthermore, the House voices concern over organized labor’s conduct during the strike, questioning whether the objective is to secure a living wage or inflict hardship on Nigerians. It also addresses the perpetuation of misinformation regarding lawmakers’ earnings by labor leaders, urging for transparent dialogue instead of political manipulation.
Calling for a return to negotiations, the House emphasizes its commitment to representing the interests of Nigerians and seeks a balanced and sustainable resolution. Despite prior appeals from the Federal Government, the strike was initiated by the NLC and TUC to advocate for a new minimum wage, which was subsequently suspended for a week after reaching an agreement with the government to raise the wage above N60,000.
