In his address to Nigerian workers on May 1, 2024, President Bola Tinubu again brought a message of hope and relief, declaring that their days of worrying are finally over. Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2024 Workers Day celebration on Wednesday President Tinubu hinted at his administration’s willingness to introduce a national living wage, a move that could revolutionize the lives of millions of workers across the country.
He said, “The committee’s mandate was to provide counsel and suggest a national minimum wage that aligns with our current economic conditions. Since then, the committee, in collaboration with labour leaders, has been diligently working towards proposing a new National Minimum Wage.
“Unfortunately, despite concerted efforts, the committee was unable to reach a consensus at its last meeting. This shall be resolved soon and I assure you that your days of worrying are over. Indeed, this government is open to the committee’s suggestion of not just a minimum wage but a living wage.”
Noting that he assumed office at a time Nigeria, like many other nations, were grappling with what he described as “daunting socio-political and developmental challenges,” President Tinubu maintained that his government has been “resolute in confronting these obstacles head-on.”
“The scourge of criminality, from banditry to kidnapping and the farmer-herder crises, alongside terrorism, continues to afflict our nation despite the tireless efforts of our armed forces. We are aware of the toll this takes on our economy. I assure you: we are fully committed to tackling these security challenges,” he added.
However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the federal government to declare a new minimum wage of N615,000, citing the need for a living wage that reflects the current economic realities in the country. President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, made the demand on Wednesday in his speech to mark the 2024 Workers Day celebration at the Eagles Square, Abuja
The labour unions said the current minimum wage of N30,000, signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, can no longer cater for the wellbeing of an average Nigerian worker.
Ajaero said, “We want to remind you that the process of fixing the new Minimum wage is still continuing. We have placed our demand of N615,000 before our social partners, while we await their offer.”
The labour leaders also appealed to President Tinubu against scrapping the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) which was established in August 2013 in compliance with the Pension Reform Act (PRA) of 2004. Ajaero noted that “ PTAD has been doing a good job for pensioners” and therefore, should be left as it is.
However, The Federal Government said the new minimum wage will take off on May 1, 2024. The Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, disclosed this in her address during the Workers’ Day celebration, at the Eagles Square, on Wednesday. Onyejeocha, who regretted that the new Minimum Wage was yet to take off, stated that workers will enjoy arrears from May 1, whenever it is signed into law.
She noted that although the Tripartite Committee On National Minimum Wage is yet to conclude its negotiations, workers will not lose anything as the new minimum wage will take effect from May 1, 2024. She however stated that wide consultations were ongoing to ensure that the document is out together as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared his support for the demand by Nigerian workers for a wage increase, reiterating his administration’s dedication to prioritising the welfare and prosperity of citizens. He made this declaration during the May Day celebration held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos Island, on Wednesday.
Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the contributions of workers to the state’s economy and acknowledged the challenges they face, including the current economic difficulties. He reassured them that his administration remains committed to improving their well-being and promoting their welfare.
In his words,”There is no gainsaying that this year’s workers day is being celebrated amidst economic challenges which are as a result of the difficult but yet inevitable policies taken by the government to rescue the economy and set it on the path of sustainable growth.
“The economic downturn has brought about disruptions that have affected lives and livelihoods. Yet, in the face of these challenges trials, you have exhibited remarkable resilience, adaptability, and courage. You have been the backbone of our response efforts, ensuring that essential services remain uninterrupted and that our state stands strong.
“This year’s theme, ‘People First,’ resonates deeply with our administration’s philosophy which is underpinned by our firm belief in prioritizing the welfare of our people. Through various measures, policies and initiatives, we have demonstrated that the interest and welfare of the people comes first and remains the ultimate goal of all our actions.
“Our response actions are geared towards mitigating the impact of these trying times and offer support to both our workers and citizens alike.” Also, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun said that his administration will do all in its power to come up with a decision on the new minimum wage. The governor said a meeting with labour leaders in the state would be held with a view to arriving at a decision that is favourable to both the government and the workers.
The governor, who made this known during the year 2024 Worker’s Day celebration and rally, tagged: ‘People First,’ also added that his administration has paid a total of N128.3 billion as pensions and gratuities to both local and state government retirees in the state.
“On minimum wage, your ever responsive administration has done a lot of work, which is aimed at arriving at a position that we can sustain in line with our inclusive style of governance. We will soon be calling a meeting with the organized labour leaders to finalize the Ogun State Government Minimum decision,” he said.
The Special Adviser to the Osun Governor on Cooperatives and Empowerment, Hon. Durojaye Isaac, has assured Osun workers that the state government would work collaboratively with Labour Unions in the state for better working conditions. The Special Adviser gave the assurance on Wednesday while congratulating the workers as they commemorate the 2024 May Day. Durojaye extolled the sterling qualities that stood out the Osun workers, saying, “An Osun worker is noted for his patriotism, hard work, resilience, and dedication to duty.
“I am happy to be associated with the Osun worker in the last more than 10 years and I can attest to the fact that everywhere you go, the Osun worker’s spirit resonates profoundly.”
In a related development, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Governor of Ondo state has said his administration would continue to promote industrial peace and operate an open and transparent governance, with the welfare of workers as a major priority of his administration.
Aiyedatiwa, who stated this on Wednesday while addressing workers during the celebration of the 2024 Worker’s Day at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Akure, emphasised the importance of the event amidst preparations for the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state. Reflecting on the state’s record of industrial peace, the governor said the modest achievements of his administration could not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of workers.
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has assured workers that his administration will not delay in implementing the new minimum wage. Makinde gave the assurance on Wednesday in his address at the 2024 May Day celebrations, held at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Ibadan.
The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Bayo Lawal, said notwithstanding the new minimum wage, his government will not fail in its promise of ensuring payment of salaries and pensions on or before 25th of every month. Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the people of implementing the salary increase recently approved by the Federal Government for workers in the State as soon as the parameters are made available.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance Wednesday at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, where activities to commemorate the 2024 International Workers Day, with the theme: ‘People First,’ took place. The Governor stated how concerned his administration is about the poor state of the nation’s economy, with the attendant rising inflation, which he said has impacted adversely on the purchasing power and well-being of the average workers and their families.
The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, said he has recruited over 5,000 workers into the state civil service since the inception of his administration in the past seven and half years. He disclosed this yesterday, while delivering his good will message to the workers in the state to mark the May Day celebration.
Mr. Obaseki said he has been able to turn the fortune of the state and its workers around by keeping to his electioneering promises.
“One of the things I promised in 2016 that I was going to build our institution for governance and today, we can proudly say that workers have had means to achieve the modest institutional reform which we have now achieved in Edo State. With your support, we have been able to recruit over 5,000 new workers into the Edo State service based on merit and no longer on favouritism as it used to be.
“Now, you don’t have to know anybody to get work in the government in Edo, you just need to know something. You can celebrate that we now have the best public service training academy in West Africa. And this academy, John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOSPA) has trained over 10,000 workers who participated enthusiastically in our training.”
