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Opposition Reps propose over N100,000 minimum wage

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives elected on the platform of opposition political parties have called on the Federal Government to implement a new minimum wage of more than N100,000 to assuage organised labour.
Organised labour, made up of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, is demanding N494,000 minimum wage as opposed to N60,000 proposed by the Federal Government.
After a series of meetings ended in stalemate last week, organised labour embarked on a nationwide strike on Monday, which grounded economic activities across the country.
In an interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, lamented the condition of the average Nigerian worker, stressing that failure to pay a living wage was a constitutional breach.
He said, “In Nigeria today, any wage below $200 (N298,800) is ridiculous. The Nigerian worker is heavily underpaid and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens. Failure to pay a living wage is unconstitutional as the welfare of citizens is neglected.
“Public and government officers should have their monthly wages while we consider the hourly rate for private or casual employees. The earlier the government concludes this matter with labour unions, the better.”
Like Chinda, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State, Oluwole Oke, said only the payment of a living wage would enable the majority of Nigerians to cope with the current economic realities.
“The minimum wage the Federal Government should pay should be N120,000. I say this because wage increase has its linkages, effects and consequences. Nigerian workers deserve living wages.”
Oluwole, who chairs the House Committee on Judiciary, urged the private sector to be taken into consideration.
“We need to look at productivity in the private sector. Would the private sector that feeds the government survive? We have a serious issue at hand,” he added.
On his part, the lawmaker representing Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency of the Federal Capital Territory, Chinedu Obika said the minimum wage should not be less than N150,000 “based on the current reality.”
Obika, a member of the Labour Party, further urged the Federal Government to take into consideration the inflation rate in the past few years, when considering the new wage for the Nigerian workers.
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Hon. Nnamchi Begins Street Lights Deployment In Isi Uzo(Photos)

Honourable Paul Sunday Nnamchi, representing Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency in the 10th House of Representatives, has fulfilled his promise to illuminate communities in Isi Uzo Local Government Area.
The lawmaker has just begun the deployment of high-density solar-powered street lights in Ikem Nkwo, marking the beginning of a massive rollout of the street lamps across the communities in Isi Uzo.
This initiative, which started in Enugu East Local Government Area in 2024, aims to support the fight against insecurity in the state which according to him was to add to what Chief Security Officer of Enugu State Barrister Peter Mba had done to secure the state to attracts foreign investments.
The lawmaker expressed concern over banditry attacks, particularly by herdsmen, in some communities within Isi Uzo and Enugu East Local Government Areas in the recent pasts.
He believes that illuminating these areas with high-density street lights would help address the insecurity adding that he was prioritizing border and farming communities in Isi Uzo, where banditry has displaced residents and restricted farming activities.
Communities in Ikem, Eha-Amufu in Isi Uzo which borders Enugu and Benue State and Ugwogo-Nike in Enugu East have been vulnerable to these attacks due to their strategic locations.
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May Day: Kalu Hails Workers, Applauds Their Role in Nation Building

By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has extended warm wishes to Nigerian workers as the country marks the 2025 edition of International Workers’ Day.
Kalu praised workers across various sectors for their commitment and resilience, describing them as the engine that keeps the nation moving. He acknowledged their sacrifices and unrelenting drive, especially during tough economic times.
In his message, he highlighted the efforts of the current administration under President Bola Tinubu to improve the welfare of public servants. He referenced the National Assembly’s prompt backing of the new minimum wage as a sign of the government’s seriousness about workers’ wellbeing.
The Deputy Speaker appealed for continued patience and understanding from Nigerians, noting that the ongoing economic reforms, while challenging, are designed to bring long-term relief and prosperity.
Kalu also called for unity, and said the country can only overcome its present difficulties if citizens and leaders work together in good faith.
He therefore urged workers to keep the faith and remain steadfast in their duties, assuring them that brighter days are on the horizon, and wished Nigerian workers a peaceful and fulfilling May Day celebration.
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