Minimum wage: Labour Tells NASS To End Slave Wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress has appealed to the National Assembly to liaise with the tripartite committee on the new minimum wage.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made the call on Monday in a goodwill message at the national retreat on “Labour reforms and the quest for a living wage in Nigeria: A focus on legislative interventions”, organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, in Abuja.

Ajaero charged the legislators to review and update the labour laws to reflect the realities of today’s economy and protect the people.

He said, ”This includes ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection against unfair labour practices.

“We call on the National Assembly to join us in calling on the executive to transmit to the Assembly the bill on the reviewed labour administration laws which had gone through the tripartite process some years back but seemed to have been impounded by the executive.

“NASS should work with the tripartite to establish mechanisms for regular and systematic review of wage levels to ensure they keep pace with inflation and the cost of living.

”Workers are not beggars neither are they slaves. We create wealth and we deserve a healthy portion of it.

“The present angst in the country can only be assuaged by reasonable income to Nigerian people and workers.”

He further urged the lawmakers to lay more focus on strengthening social security systems to provide a safety net for workers during times of economic hardship, unemployment, or health emergencies.

Ajaero tasked the legislators to seek ways to make laws for effective social dialogue which would foster an inclusive dialogue between the government, employers, and labour unions to ensure policies are balanced, fair, and effectively address the needs of all stakeholders.

“The legislature should make laws that encourage continuous investment in education and vocational training to equip our workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic and evolving job market,” he said.