Rep Onuigbo Salutes Workers On May Day, Charges Legislators On Laws To End Wage Issues In Nigeria

Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State, Rep. Sam Onuigbo has congratulated workers in the constituency and Abia at this year Workers’ Day.

In a felicitation message on Monday, the lawmaker noted that issues of wage have remained a challenge in the country which has made life more difficult for workers.

While reflecting on the role legislators play in limiting the wage issues as it affects workers, Hon. Onuigbo said enactment of labour laws by members of the legislative arm of government can help in reducing wage crisis workers face while protecting their interest.

He said, “The celebration of Workers’ Day today is an important opportunity to reflect on the perennial issues of wages in the country and how these have continued to affect Nigerian workers. As a legislator, I am reflecting on the important role legislators must play in at least limiting the extent of these issues and making life better for workers in the country.

“It is primarily through the enactment of labour laws that protect the welfare of workers that legislators can help bring to an end the perennial wage crises that Nigeria faces. Over the years of course, Nigerian legislators have made efforts in this regard. The following easily come to mind: The Labour Act 2004; The Pensions Act 2004; The Trade Disputes Act; The Trade Union Amended Act 2005; The Employees Compensation Act 2010; The National Minimum Wage Act 2011; The Pension Reform Act 2014; The National Minimum Wage Act 2019; The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission Establishment Act 1993.”

He said legislative input is important to define the relationship between employers and employees, spell out dispute resolution windows, recommend sanctions for default as well as implementation.

While calling for the cooperation of State legislators, Rep Onuigbo urged that partisanship should be shunned in matters that surround the welfare of workers.

He added, “It is important to place a finger on the fact that the primary responsibilities of lawmakers is lawmaking and oversight. Clearly then, the principal role that legislators must play in ending wage crises in Nigeria is to ensure that they enact detailed laws that will in very clear terms define the relationship between employers and employees, highlight dispute resolution channels and clearly specify penalties for defaults. This should then be followed up by ensuring the implementation of the laws through proper, effective, and efficient oversight.

“In a country like Nigeria, with many federating units, this important role of legislators in addressing wage disputes will be the collective responsibility of federal and state lawmakers who must shun partisanship, personal interests, and ensure that federal wage laws are uniformly implemented and where necessary, domesticated.

“May I therefore use this opportunity to charge all legislators to be conscious of this responsibility. In the same vein I charge the executive and judiciary to also play their role.

“A worker deserves his/her wages and should receive same without undue stress and without recourse to gnashing of teeth.”