By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Following certain states’ incapacity to pay, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, has stated that organised labour has a duty to enforce compliance with the minimum wage payments made by state governments.
Akume made this declaration at the conclusion of XEM Consulting Ltd.’s two-day pre-retirement meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
On behalf of the General Services Office Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nnamdi Mbaeri, the SGF pleaded with organised labour to refrain from entrusting the government with enforcing the law.
So, as we are discussing paying a pension, I will also throw it back to labour; you have the duty to enforce the compliance of these laws; it is not just the question of complaining.
“You should be able to come in; ensure the compliance of these laws by the relevant stakeholders,” he said.
He suggested that the Federal Government draft a policy and send out circulars, emphasising that the responsibility for ensuring that noncompliance is penalised rests with those overseeing its execution.
The ideal legislation that could be created, according to Akume, is one that can be enforced, regardless of the minimum wage or pension.
According to the SGF, Nigerians should exercise patience as these reform initiatives take time to manifest, as the Federal Government has launched numerous projects aimed at rescuing people from poverty in the near future.