By Bimbola Oyesola, Magnus Eze, Abuja and Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
Workers may have to tarry awhile for a new minimum wage package from President Muhammadu Buhari.
Nigerian workers had hoped that the president would seize the May Day rally to announce a new wage package for them, having submitted a propsal, two weeks ago, of a N56,000 as the new minimum wage, through orgainsed Labour.
Although the president was absent at the rally, which held at the Eagles Square, in Abuja, he was represented by his Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige. Through Ngige, the president gave his government’s commitment to accord due consideration to issues raised by the two labour unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
“I have listened to the speeches made by the presidents of the TUC and NLC.
“The challenges facing Nigeria have been highlighted and I assure you that they shall be accorded due consideration.
Solution to some of those issues and request are already being considered and would be made public in the near future.”
In his address at the event, National President of the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba condemned payment of double salaries and pension to some former governors who are now senators and ministers “when several state governments struggle to pay salaries and many of them owing workers’ salary arrears for months. “Beneficiaries of the largesse,” according to the labour union leader, include 21 former governors and deputies as well as senators and ministers.
He continues: “We find this double payment to public officials from tax payers’ money as the height of insensitivity to the plight of workers and poor Nigerians, and barefaced systematic thievery and looting of our commonwealth by those elected or appointed to serve our country.”
Meanwhile, for the first time in five years, workers in Borno yesterday marked Labour Day with
fanfare since insurgency heightened in the state.
The event, organised by the NLC in Borno, was held at the Ramat Square located at the western
area of Maiduguri city, once a vulnerable axis for Boko Haram attacks.
The labour rally was last held at the square in 2012. Previous events were lowkey at the union’s office,
usually with prayers. NLC State Chairman, Mr Titus Abana, said this year’s celebration was unique.
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