Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has praised the leadership of organized labour for their patriotism and understanding in resolving the minimum wage crisis. Speaking to journalists on Sunday in Abuja, Okechukwu commended the labour unions for their actions, which he believes saved the nation’s democracy from the unintended consequences of an indefinite strike.
Okechukwu, the immediate past Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), highlighted the sacrifice of labour leaders who remembered the struggles of compatriots in the fight for democracy. He noted that their pragmatism and patriotism during negotiations revealed the nexus between reality and affordability, given Nigeria's less than healthy economy. He argued that the paucity of funds, rather than cruelty, made it difficult for the government and private sector to agree to the proposed living wage.
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Okechukwu also commended President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his statesmanship and professional intervention, which helped to calm tensions during the impasse. He appealed to the President to enhance the Renewed Hope Housing scheme by including mass housing to support workers' patriotism, alongside other social infrastructures like the Students Loan and CNG vehicles. He emphasized that housing, a critical need, consumes a significant portion of workers' disposable income, and addressing this would bring substantial relief.
Addressing concerns about funding a mass housing scheme, Okechukwu pointed out that workers have been contributing 2.5% of their salary to the National Housing Fund (NHF). He suggested that with additional support from federal, state, local governments, and the private sector, this seed money could effectively fund the initiative, ensuring widespread home ownership and happiness among workers.
