Economy Hardship: Opposition Reps Seek Above N100,000 Minimum Wage For Nigerians

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives, elected on the platform of opposition political parties have on Wednesday proposed for a news minimum wage implementation above N100,000 to assuage organised labour.

The Organised labour, prior to the recent industrial strike action had engaged in series of meetings with the Tripatiate committee as well as the federal government but all hit a deadlock.

The Organised labour which comprises of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, is demanding N494,000 minimum wage as opposed to N60,000 proposed by the Federal Government.

Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, said failure to meet the living wage of workers as stated by the union was a constitutional breach.

He cited the economic situation and cost of living as a yardstick for the swift implementation of labour demands.

He said, “In Nigeria today, any wage below $200 (N298,800) is ridiculous. The Nigerian worker is heavily underpaid and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens. Failure to pay a living wage is unconstitutional as the welfare of citizens is neglected.

“Public and government officers should have their monthly wages while we consider the hourly rate for private or casual employees. The earlier the government concludes this matter with labour unions, the better.”

Like Chinda, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State, Oluwole Oke, said only the payment of a living wage would enable the majority of Nigerians to cope with the current economic realities.

“The minimum wage the Federal Government should pay should be N120,000. I say this because wage increase has its linkages, effects and consequences. Nigerian workers deserve living wages.”

 On his part,  the lawmaker representing Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency of the Federal Capital Territory, Chinedu Obika said the minimum wage should not be less than N150,000 “based on the current reality.”