Nigerians have said the N56, 000 new minimum wage demand by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) is unrealistic.
The current national minimum wage is N18, 000.
The NLC president, Ayuba Wabba, made a demand for a push up of the minimum wage from N18, 000 to N56, 000 Wednesday in Abuja.
A man who identified himself as Mr Obi Sunday said, “I think the labour leaders should demand for prompt payment of the N18,000 minimum wage instead of asking for a push up.”
Another person who spoke with The New Diplomat said, “The demand of NLC and TUC is unrealistic because most states are struggling to pay salaries, some are owing workers for months and they are demanding for an increase. That’s not possible. Politicians in this country only think of themselves not those who vote them into offices.”
A woman who identified herself as Mrs Ayelowo Abiodun said, “Our labour leaders should tell the government to pay us our salaries, no need for increase but they should pay us as at when due. Before now, everyone wants to work with the government but not anymore.
“I think the demand for increase in minimum wage is unrealistic.”
However, Wabba said both the NLC and the TUC made the formal demand on the proposed national minimum wage to the Federal Government on Tuesday.
“I can say now authoritatively that as of yesterday (Tuesday) we made a formal proposal to the Federal Government of N56, 000 to be the new minimum wage. The demand has been submitted officially to government and we hope that the tripartite system to look at the review will actually be put set up to look at it.
“Our argument is that, yes, it is true that the economy is not doing well, but the law stated that wages for workers must be reviewed after every five years. So, the issue must be looked into by the Federal Government and workers should not be seen as sleeping on their rights, ”he said.
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