Workers to Tinubu, governors: ‘Living wage’ not minimum wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Oyo have called on governments at all levels to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians.

They made the call during the May Day celebration on Wednesday in Ibadan.

The NLC chairman, Kayode Martins, noted that life had become unbearable for most Nigerians due to inflation, fuel scarcity and other challenges.

Mr Martins said that the N30,000 minimum wage expired on April 18, adding that the government should have announced the new minimum wage by now, as the current salary was no longer sustainable.

“We are asking for a living wage to cushion the effect of inflation and other issues affecting Nigerians. Oyo state government should not waste time on the issue of the new minimum wage once it is announced by the federal government,” he said.

Mr Martins also called the state government’s attention to the incessant cases of land grabbing in some parts of the state.

TUC chairman Bosun Olabiyi stressed the need for the government to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians.

Mr Olabiyi said the situation in which Nigerians had found themselves called for urgent attention by the government.

According to him, Nigerians are currently suffering due to fuel scarcity and other challenges. He urged the government to speed up action on the new minimum wage.

Mr Olabiyi said inflation had already reduced the wage awards given to workers, and workers were now back to square one.

Mr Olabiyi commended Governor Seyi Makinde for the prompt payment of workers’ salaries.

Secretary of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Oyo, Olusegun Abatan, said that life had been difficult for pensioners in the state since the removal of fuel subsidy.

(NAN)