- Citizens feel they are shouldering the burden of economic reforms alone.
- Economic reforms should be accompanied by shared sacrifices.
Shehu Sani, a former senator representing Kaduna central, has said the Federal Government has the resources for a minimum wage of N615,000.
Sani disclosed this in an interview on Arise Television on Thursday.
The former lawmaker called on the government to address the long-standing issue of minimum wage to prevent impending strikes.
Sani said the issue of minimum wage increment is within the means of the federal government of Nigeria.
“I don’t know how a Nigerian can survive with less than N100,000 if you break down what the government is offering N45,000-48,000, you will see how unrealistic it is by the time you factor in many things. The position taken by labour should be considered by the government,” Sani said.
“It is one thing agreeing to increase the minimum wage and then the capacity to pay. Let us not forget that in the last few years, the government has been finding it difficult to even pay the ones that is already have on paper, so how this could be reflected should be considered.
“But from what we have learnt since the withdrawal of subsidy, the government has more money and there’s no better way to effectively and productively spend it than to increase the minimum wage of Nigerian workers to a reasonable point where he can adequately take care of his family.
Recall that labour union had proposed N615,500 as the minimum wage the federal government should pay Nigerian workers, citing the high cost of living.
Speaking further, Sani said the government has the resources for a minimum wage of N615,000 adding that living wage for the labourers is not a bad idea and should be considered but should be at a “reasonable point.”
He stated that the reason for the displeasure from the citizens is because it seems they are the only ones sacrificing for the economy.
“Economic reforms are taking place in this country, there are consequences for the reforms. They are supposed to be sacrifices but it should be across the board.
“Workers are seeing that money is coming in trillions, they want their own share. When a nation subsidises, it makes more value for wages but when they are removed, you have to pay for it.”
On May 15, leaders of organised labour staged a walk-out in a meeting called by the federal government to discuss the national minimum wage for workers
Joe Ajaero, president of the NLC, said the government has until the end of the month to arrive at a decision.
Discussion about this post