Metro

Nigerian govt insists on N62,000 minimum wage despite Labour’s stance

Published

6 months ago

June 17, 2024

The lingering feud between the Nigerian government and organized labour on the minimum wage saga may not have an end soon as the government has insisted that it will not pay a dime above the N62,000 it had proposed despite labour pegging its demand at N250,000.

A statement from the Presidency on Sunday stated in clear terms that the N250,000 minimum wage clamour by Organised Labour was unsustainable, warning that the Federal Government could not channel all its resources to meet such a demand.

The position of the Nigerian government is coming after the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) also raised concerns over the amount being proposed by the FG in the face of escalating inflation and high cost of living.

ALGON, had, in a statement, said if approved, the wage may put a strain on the councils’ financial burden.

Several rounds of talks between government and labour leaders have stalled as the Tripartite Committee set up to negotiate on behalf of government has failed to reach a compromise with labour.

The labour unions have described the proposal as an insult to the intelligence of the average Nigerian worker, whom they say deserve far better than what the government offered.

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in an interview, disclosed that unless the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress were selfish, they should consider that the resources meant for the entire Nigerians could not be channeled to only the benefit of their members who are not more than 10 per cent of the entire population.

“That is why we keep telling labour to be realistic because the government cannot use all its resources to pay workers. They have other things to do. The workers we are even talking about are not up to 10 per cent of the population.

“Many people are self-employed or engaged in the private sector, who are not members of Labour, and are not affected by this demand.

“This is even more reason why labour has to reconsider their decision critically instead of always striving to shut down the system. What the FG did was in consultation with the private sector and others.

“Only Labour, which appears to be in the minority, kept saying they won’t accept N62,000. They are not even employers but employees.

“Let us wait and hear what they are going to say after their return from the ILO conference. But they have to be realistic,” Onanuga reiterated.

Onanuga added that the Federal Government might not meet the Labour leaders again unless something cogent turned up.

“I am not sure whether the FG is meeting with them or whether its position on the minimum wage has changed. Don’t forget the current amount on the table was arrived at by the committee that also has the private sector where the NECA and NACIMMA were also represented.

“That was the figure the FG delegation, sub-nationals, employers, NECA and other sectors agreed on. So, the FG cannot just decide on any other amount of money on its own without carrying these people along.

“And the government cannot just decide anything without ensuring that the state and local governments are able to pay,” he said.

Related Topics:Featured FG Labour Minimum wage Nigeria

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Metro

Zambian drug agency declares ex-President Lungu’s daughter wanted

Published

19 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has declared the daughter of former president Edgar Lungu, Tasila Lungu, wanted in connection with money laundering activities.

The Director General of the DEC, Nason Banda, who made the announcement at a media briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday, told journalists that Tasila, who was a Member of Parliament representing Chawama Constituency, fled the country after her father lost elections on pretext of being on maternity leave, and had remained defiant to calls from law enforcement officers to present herself for investigations.

Banda stated that the Commission was tired of issuing call outs to Tasila through her lawyers, hence the decision to place her on the wanted list.

Banda noted that the Commission wanted Tasila to explain her certain sources of income like other persons who were called for questioning after they were found with a case to answer.

He said the Commission had issued several call outs to Tasila through her lawyers since she was not in the country and had grown tired of waiting because this was prolonging the investigations which should be closed as soon as possible.

“We have been attempting to contact her to answer questions related to an ongoing investigation. Messages have been sent, and lawyers have been contacted, but Honorable Lungu has not responded. As of now, Honorable Lungu is considered a wanted person,” Banda said.

He urged Tasila to come forward and answer questions while assuring that the process will be fair and she will be treated with respect, emphasizing the importance of justice and fairness.

Banda also assured that there was no witch-hunt in the process of investigating Tasila and other politicians, emphasizing that in the past, seizures had been lifted, and property had been returned to owners after investigations were completed.

“We have issues with her, let her come and answer a few questions. It’s only fair for her to respond because we have issues with her. So we would like honourable Lungu to come and answer a few questions. We have sent call outs through her lawyers,” he said.

Banda said the DEC had, on May, 30, 2024, summoned Tasila together with the former first lady to appear before them for interviews through two separate notices signed by an Officer of the Anti-Money Laundering Unit, but despite assurances from her lawyers, Zulu and Advocates, that she would make herself available to the agency, she had failed to show up.

Metro

‘Pray for leaders to serve you diligently,’ President Tinubu tells Nigerians

Published

20 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Isaac Dachen

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to develop the habit of praying for their leaders to enable them serve diligently and strive for prosperity.

The president, who made the call in his Christmas message to citizens, said genuine prayers were required from all Nigerians, especially Christians, as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ so that the leaders would not deviate from the right path.

In the message he personally signed, Tinubu extended his heartfelt greetings to Nigerian Christians as they joined their counterparts globally to mark the birth of Jesus Christ and further reassured Nigerians that the country was on the path of progress towards a brighter future for every citizen.

“On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy scriptures,” the President said in the message.

‘’Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity. It is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope. This belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us.

“Recent tragic events in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja deeply sadden us, and our thoughts are with those who continue to suffer from these heartbreaking incidents. We earnestly pray that such misfortunes do not revisit our families and communities and that the lives of innocents are never again cut short.

“I offer my deepest sympathies to the families enduring pain and loss this year, whether from floods, fire, or accidents. May we all find comfort and solace in our faith, the support of loved ones, and the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. Our compassionate and merciful God stands with the weak, the brokenhearted, and the sick.

“As we celebrate this blessed season, let us be mindful of those facing difficulties. They are not far from us—our neighbours, family members, and the people we encounter daily, whether in places of worship, markets, offices, or boardrooms.

“Kindness transcends financial status. Those with modest means and those with abundance need a smile or a word of encouragement.

“Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation’s leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity.

“Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria.

“For those travelling during this festive period, I wish you safe journeys. Rest assured, the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure our transportation routes are secure and convenient. We also provide free train services and subsidized road transport costs on 144 routes nationwide to ease your travels,” he said.