Let me start by saying that I have worked for the Government for several years and have enjoyed few upward reviews in wages. I must also add that Nigerian workers at all levels deserve urgent review in their wages in view of the prevailing economic realities. However, it is my humble opinion that efforts by Organized Labour to tacitly coerce the Federal Government into hurriedly assembling a package for the workers would be counterproductive and ultimately lead to a calamitous end.

Recall that in February, 2011 after the National Assembly considered and passed New Minimum Wage Bill drafted by the tripartite Presidential Committee on National Minimum Wage, headed by Chief Justice Alfa Modibbo Belgore, former President Jonathan signed it into law.

Although the tortuous journey to N18, 000 had started in 2008 when Labour set up an internal committee to work out an appropriate minimum wage, Government at all levels reluctantly accepted the new figure few months to the general elections. This was primarily because the general election was around the corner and government played ball because they wanted to be reelected.

Months after the Bill was passed, and some of them were elected, they reneged on the agreement, claiming that their states were no longer viable to pay the minimum wage. Some even canvassed for wage autonomy, such that individual states can determine what they can pay to workers.

In February 2018, seven years after the current minimum wage was institutionalized, Labour lamented that 33 states owed workers months of salary arrears. Bobboi Kaigama of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) who made the disclosure was asked how the affected states would fare when the new minimum wage comes on stream. He merely called for the resignation of governors owing workers. Apart from the inability of states and Local Government to meet this obligation, the private sector also could not pay the agreed wage.

The question now is, would the states, local government and the private sector be able to pay the new minimum wage, if the Minister of Employment announces one today? For me, Dr. Chris Ngige has taken all these into consideration, hence his decision to meet with relevant stakeholders with a view to arriving at a mutually acceptable figure that would not throw up similar challenge. While Labour had since tabled and canvassed support for its proposal, the Minister knows how many state governments that are privately expressing anxiety. That may have informed his new move.

Labour probably believes, this is the time to gag politicians into doing its bidding. My fears are that these politicians, when pushed too hard may make unrealistic commitment. This could lead to issues of nonpayment of salaries from June 2019 after they must have secured their return to the various offices.

Labour should quickly see through this and support Ngige to reach realistic pact with stakeholders. The more they shy away from this consultation and dialogue, the more workers would wait in agony.


Copied from Emeka Jideofor's wall

@lalasticlala

If salaries are increased, all other thing will increase . Hence, back to square one .

The only language Government understands is strike.

Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta

NLC, acting like a bunch of kids, they did not go on strike when many states are owing salaries and yet they are talking about workers welfare.

With sheer consideration to organized labour and what they aim to achieve with this fight i believe the grounding of workers tools is ill timed and has adverse pecuniary effect on the country's already ailing economy. The country and government is already overburdened with too much travails. Though labour's intentions are favorable particularly towards workers, the attendant inflationary backlash that always accompanies salary increment is hard to avoid, not forgetting that some governors are not able to pay their workers salaries with the current minimum wage. Am afraid this new minimum wage will further provide excuse for such governors to continue to owe their workers. Government should improve the general economy of the country which will inturn improve the value of currency and keep suffering at bay.

pryme:
NLC, acting like a bunch of kids, they did not go on strike when many states are owing salaries and yet they are talking about workers welfare.

one of the sons of APC talking.

If you know hoe people suffered to pay school fees this September, u will even close the road to the Villa.

everything in Nigeria has changed except workers' welfare. the time is now. it has to be done.

akpanoka:


one of the sons of APC talking.

If you know hoe people suffered to pay school fees this September, u will even close the road to the Villa.

everything in Nigeria has changed except workers' welfare. the time is now. it has to be done.

Whats the point in increasing the minimum wage if they cant get these state Governors to pay basic salaries. NLC should find a way of making Governors pay cos even if they increase it and pass the bill, they will still go on to owe salaries, of what use is it then?

They should do this, THEN agitate for the minimum wage, or else it will be putting the chart before the horse.

Mishaya:
With sheer consideration to organized labour and what they aim to achieve with this fight i believe the grounding of workers tools is ill timed and has adverse pecuniary effect on the country's already ailing economy. The country and government is already overburdened with too much travails. Though labour's intentions are favorable particularly towards workers, the attendant inflationary backlash that always accompanies salary increment is hard to avoid, not forgetting that some governors are not able to pay their workers salaries with the current minimum wage. Am afraid this new minimum wage will further provide excuse for such governors to continue to owe their workers. Government should improve the general economy of the country which will inturn improve the value of currency and keep suffering at bay.

A state government that cannot pay it's workers salary with IGR is that one an autonomous state? How can you have 4-5 million souls in your state and then need oil allocation before you can pay salary?

It means the state citizens are not interested in the survival of an autonomous state and can as well merge with the nearest state to reduce administration cost.