Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule and Senator Adams Oshiomhole have advised organized labor to focus on policies that will stimulate industrialization rather than continuously demanding wage increases. They made this counsel during a television program, urging the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to ensure their new minimum wage demands are realistic and affordable.
Their advice followed NLC President Joe Ajaero's call for a N615,000 living wage for workers. President Bola Tinubu, represented by his deputy Kashim Shettima at the May Day anniversary, stated that the Federal Government would soon unveil a new living wage.
Governor Sule commended President Buhari for enhancing workers' welfare, noting that many states should be able to pay whatever the federal government proposes. He cited examples of welfare policies implemented in Nasarawa State, such as hazard allowances for medical workers.
Senator Oshiomhole, a former NLC president, agreed with the need for a pay rise, considering the inflation rate. He emphasized the importance of increasing workers' purchasing power, especially with the rising cost of living. Oshiomhole praised the NLC for explaining the rationale behind their demands and urged them to engage in discussions on appropriate industrial policies to enhance the manufacturing industry.
Both Sule and Oshiomhole stressed the importance of making realistic and affordable wage demands, emphasizing the need for all employers to justify any proposed increase. They called for collaboration between organized labor and governments at all levels to negotiate and implement fair wage policies.
