The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has called on organised labour to exercise consideration and patriotism in their demands for a new national minimum wage. Speaking on Wednesday, Onyejeocha emphasized that the government has been proactive in ensuring fair wages for workers while navigating the nation's economic recovery from the pandemic and other global economic challenges.
In a statement issued by Olajide Oshundun, the Director of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Onyejeocha urged labour to acknowledge the ongoing efforts to revitalize the economy. She assured that the government is committed to prioritizing citizens' well-being and achieving a decent standard of living for all.
"We appeal to organised labour and other relevant stakeholders to be considerate and patriotic in their demands, recognizing that our economy is still recovering from the devastating effects of the pandemic and other global economic shocks," Onyejeocha stated. "We are committed to putting the people first and ensuring that our economic policies benefit all Nigerians, not just a select few."
Onyejeocha highlighted the significant progress made in discussions with labour leaders, who have taken a recess to consult with key stakeholders before resuming negotiations. She expressed optimism that continued engagement would lead to a positive outcome.
"In light of the current economic conditions, we have made a concessionary move from N57,000 to N60,000. This increase demonstrates our willingness to listen to the concerns of labour and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement," she said.
The minister also underscored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to economic revitalization, job creation, and poverty reduction. She called for collective support to overcome economic challenges and build a brighter future for all Nigerians.
As negotiations progress, Onyejeocha reaffirmed the government's dedication to inclusive economic policies that benefit all citizens. She expressed confidence that with collective effort, the nation can overcome obstacles and achieve sustainable growth and prosperity.
