FG SETS TO REVIEW MINIMUM WAGE

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, during the Nigeria Labour Congress public presentation titled “Contemporary History of Working-Class Struggle” held in Abuja, revealed that The Federal Government had already started working on plans to increase the #30,000 minimum wage following the light of inflation in the world.

According to him, the adjustment had become important to reflect what was happening globally. He said the adjustment has started with the Academic Staff Union of University and that under the principles of offer and acceptance, if ASUU can look at their offer given and constitute a better offer, they are bound to look at their offer, saying all of these makes up collective negotiations.

He added that considering the current economic situation, the current minimum wage of #30,000 would in reality not be able to pay workers’ transportation fares for a.month amidst other expenses. Furthermore, he advises that the executive affiliate with the Nigeria Labour Congress should familiarize them with the labour laws, knowing that “if you don’t work, you won’t chop” and that it is labour that provides the riches of every nation as well as families.

The President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo, said that the sole aim of the labour movement in the country was to protect and defend the interest of the workers.