President Bola Tinubu has met with leaders of Nigeria’s major labor unions on Thursday in Abuja to discuss worker welfare and minimum wage concerns, admitting workers deserve improved welfare, better wages, as well as safe and enhanced working conditions.
According to a statement by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, the President is concerned about the welfare of Nigerian workers and his administration is prioritising their concerns.
During the meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by Joe Ajaero and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) led by Comrade Festus Osifo, President Tinubu emphasised the importance of worker satisfaction.
“I pay attention to everything around me,” he said, according to the statement issued by Ngelale.
“A happy worker is a productive worker. And society depends on the productivity of the happy worker.”
However the President called for realistic expectations regarding the minimum wage question, while suggested more frequent reviews,
“You have to cut your coat according to available cloth. Before we can finalize the minimum wage process, we have to look at the structure.”
“Why must we adjust wages every five years? Why not two? Why not three years? What is a problem today, can be eased up tomorrow. There is much dynamism to this process if we are not myopic in our approaches. We can take a surgical approach that is based on pragmatism and a deep understanding of all factors.”
NLC President Joe Ajaero highlighted the economic challenges faced by workers, noting, “Between living wage and minimum wage, we need to find a balance.
Things are difficult for the Nigerian worker.” He also congratulated the President on the recent Supreme Court judgment, saying, “I have to congratulate you on the issue of local government autonomy. We have been in the streets protesting for local government autonomy. Now that there is light at the end of the tunnel, it will amount to ungratefulness if we fail to commend you.”
TUC President Festus Osifo addressed concerns about inflation and rising living costs. He stated, “We commend you on the landmark judgement of the Supreme Court. History will not forget what has happened today. With this judgement, we believe Nigeria will make progress.”
The meeting also touched on government measures to address economic pressures, including the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses and the suspension of duty on certain food imports.
Both parties agreed to reconvene next week for further discussions after wider consultations with stakeholders.
