News

Reps Urge FG To Fix Living Wage For Nigerian Workers Not Minimum Wage

Published

6 months ago

June 5, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…commend organised labour for commitment, suspension of strike

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to redirect the focus of the negotiations from fixing a new minimum wage to fixing a realistic living wage for Nigerians.

The lawmakers also commended Labour, Employment and Preductraity unions for their commitment towards negotiating a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers at this very critical period and the resolve to call off the strike in the interim.

The House further urged government to further consider the downward review of electricity tariff, to reduce the suffering of Nigerians.

These resolutions was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on the “Urgent Need To Consider The Imperativeness Of Fixing a Living Wage For Nigerian Workers In Order To Ameliorate Current Economic Hardship”, by Deputy Minority Whip, Rep. Isa Ali, on Tuesday at plenary.

According to Rep. Ali, global economic outlook as well as recent socio-economic policies of government have resulted in inflation, increase in electricity tariff, currency devaluation and other diverse economic consequences especially for Nigerian workers.

He noted that government has been locked in negotiations with labour unions towards the upward review of the Minimum Wage for some time, without any agreement, leading to a recent interruption in the negotiations.

The Minority Whip further commended government for showing absolute commitment by imploring the labour unions to return to the negotiation table.

He said: “Aware that the National Assembly repealed and enacted the National Minimum Wage Acting 2019 to fix the minimum wage at 830,000 even when the wa the Executive arm had suggested $27,000 at the time;

“Also aware that in line with Section 3(4) of the Act, the extant minimum wage which commenced on April 18, 2019has expired after five years on April 18, 2024, thereby calling for a further review of the existing Act”.

He noted that the implication of payment of 835,000 wage award by the Federal Government to public servants as one of the ways of cushioning the effects of current economic hardship, including the May 1st pronouncement of percentage increases in salaries of civil servants has for the time being, increased the minimusrwage to 87000;

“Also notes that the Labour, Employment and Productivity unions has since demanded for a living wage as against the minimum wage to meet today’s economic realities;

“Desirous to fix a living wage for Nigerians in order to cushion the effects of economic downturn and activate productivity in the public service:”, he added.

Debating the motion extensively, lawmakers called for a living wage for the worker and not minimum wage.

“There are essential services that should be given attention during strike. As a result of the shutdown of the national grid, lots of lives were lost due to hospitals that could operate. The National Assembly should amend the National Minimum Wage Act”.

Rep. Aliyu Madaki said the issues of insecurity in the country and corruption is very worrisome.

“We can not fight corruption if we don’t have a living wage. The House already adopted a motion on living wage. Section 16 (2) already covered it in the constitution. What Nigerian workers deserve is living wage and not minimum wage.”

The House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, said the government has failed in the provision of security and welfare for the citizens; even as he said that the labour unions should not have shutdown the national grid.

“Section 14 and 16 provide for security and welfare of the people. Can we say we have carried out that function of governance? Can we say we have provided security and welfare? The answer NO!

“One Nigerian life, equal one minute silence. Workers are crying about their salaries as it is no longer possible to live on N50,000, and we expect them to earn that and continue to serve.

“We must provide living wages for the workers. We can’t shy away from living wages while talking about minimum wage.

“Also, sometimes, when they embark on strike, they should not overstep boundaries. Those who are protesting, why they have a good course, must adopt proper procedures and not violate the law.

“I want to say that with the speed we passed the national anthem act, we should recall the minimum wage act and pass it. And if the president refuses to sign, then we override him”, Chinda stated.

Rep. Stanley Olajide in his contribution called for the criminalization of certain actions.

“Shutting down the national grid is killing those you seek to protect. You can not embark on industrial action and kill people. We should criminalise Shutting down of national grid”.

The Deputy Minority Leader, George Ozodinobi, said there should be a benchmark of N75,000 which should be able to cover bills if workers

“I advocate a benchmark of N75,000, which is the price of a bag of rice, while also considering other things like school fees, medicals, and others”.

After an extensive debate of the motion, the House unanimously adopted the motion and referred it to the committee on Labour for further legislative actions.

News

Just in : Dangote Refinery reduction in petrol price, now N970 per litre

Published

31 minutes ago

November 24, 2024

Austin Ojomah

The Dangote Group has announced a reduction in the price of its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N970 per liter.

This was contained in a statement issued by Anthony Chiejina, the Group’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, on Sunday.
Chiejina stated that the refinery has lowered its petrol price for marketers from N990 to N970 per liter, providing them with a N20 discount per liter.

Furthermore, he emphasized that despite the price reduction, the quality of the company’s products remains uncompromised.

The statement regarding the price adjustment reads:

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery has effected a reduction in the prevailing price of its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N990/litre to N970/litre for the marketers.

“As the year comes to an end, this is our way of appreciating the good people of Nigeria for their unwavering support in making the Refinery a dream come true. In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being.

While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.”

News

Insecurity! Bandits k!ll 7 farmers, burn 50 bags of maize in Niger state

Published

2 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Austin Ojomah

Bandits have k!lled seven farmers, including a vigilante, and burnt 50 bags of maize inside a truck in Bangi, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

Sources on Saturday, November 23, told Daily Trust that the victims had gone to bring the harvested maize home from their farm when the bandits ambushed them, k!lled all the occupants in the truck and set the truck.

Bandits have killed seven of our farmers who had gone to farm to bring the maize they had harvested home. The attackers hid and waited until after the victims had loaded the 50 bags of maize into the truck and were about to take off to return home when they opened fire on them. After k!lling the victims, they also set the truck and the 50 bags of maize already loaded ablaze,” a source said.

He said it was difficult for farmers in Mariga to harvest their crops this year due to k!llings and kidnappings by bandits.

News

SAD! Roman Catholic Oldest Priest Monsignor Thomas Oleghe dies at 103

Published

3 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Naijablitznews

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Ghieakhomo Dunia announces the passing unto eternal glory of Rt. Rev. Monsignor Thomas Oleghe, at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Auchi, during the solemnity of Christ the King

Rev. Monsignor is the oldest Catholic Priest in Nigeria.

Monsignor Oleghe death is very remarkable as the centenarian died during the feast of Christ the King.

The demise of the priest of the order of Melchizedek should be best described as (TRANSITION TO GLORY)