The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Wage

  • Will workers still get wage increase?

    SIR: Nigerian workers were excited when the Federal Government announced that it had constituted a committee to come up with proposals on a new minimum wage and palliatives that would cushion the effects of the recent hike in the price of fuel. Unfortunately, the excitement appears to be waning by the day because not much has been heard of what the committee is doing, or has so far done.

    We recall that the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress set up a national committee to work out palliative measures and fashion out a new minimum wage that would ameliorate the impact of the increase in the pump price of the premium motor spirit (petrol). Not long after the committee was constituted, there were conflicting media reports on its activities. Initially, it was alleged that the committee had started sitting, but NLC denied that the committee had truly started meeting, saying the Federal Government was yet to constitute the committee.

    Both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the two central labour organisations in the nation had proposed N56,000 as the new national minimum wage as against the current N18,000, which had been in operation since 2011. There is every justification for an upward review of the minimum wage following the increase in the pump price because the adjustment has worsened the plight of workers such that their purchasing power has drastically reduced. Infact, for an average public servant of today, good life can be described as an unaffordable luxury.

    Those who are against the proposal had argued that the labour’s demand for a wage increase is unsustainable on account of the deplorable and prevailing economic situation in the country coupled with the sharp fall in the price of crude oil at the international market. This slide has culminated into the inability of most state governors to pay workers’ salaries and meet other official obligations. To date, many state governments still owe salary arrears up to seven months or more. The Federal Government recently declared 27 states bankrupt, stating that they were ‘incapable’ of paying salaries and maintaining ‘efficient’ and unhindered daily government operations, a position affirmed by the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulazeezYari of Zamfara State.

    The questions to ask are: Is it really feasible to increase the minimum wage payable to Nigerian workers? Is this realistic for both the federal and state governments to implement? While the case of the Federal Government seems to be feasible, state governors could also achieve it by borrowing a leaf from the recent example shown by Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, who has increased the state’s minimum wage to N25,000. Similarly, despite the cash crunch being experienced, workers’ salaries are still regularly being paid by the Cross River State government. Governor Ben Ayade-led administration’s prudent fiscal management is worthy of emulation, despite the fact that the state’s earning has nosedived since the hitherto 13 per cent derivation from its oil wells had been ceded to Akwa Ibom State, following a Supreme Court judgment.

    Another governor that could be a reference point is Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State. It is remarkable to note that Lagos State has already surpassed its first quarter internally-generated revenue target with the over N100 billion gross earning, as many states remain beggarly by rushing to Abuja for the monthly dole and reliance on bail-out funds.

    The Federal Government should let Nigerians know how far the committee has gone in the provision on the blueprint on the palliatives and evolving of a living and sustainable minimum wage for workers. By that, the government would not only be sending the right signals that accountability is key to responsive governance; it is also shows clear commitment and sensitivity to workers’ agitation. This is the right way to go!

     

    Adewale Kupoluyi,

    Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

  • Union decries minimum wage review panel’s pace

    the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council, has expressed worries over the slow pace of work by the committee on review of the new minimum wage set up by the Federal Government.

    This was contained in a communiqué issued after the meeting of the State Governing Council  (SGC). It was signed by the President, Comrade Benjamin Anthony, in Abuja.

    AUPCTRE urged the committee to hasten up its work.

    The union condemned “the factionalisation” of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), pledging its unalloyed loyalty to Comrade Ayuba Wabba. It urged other unions and Nigerians to support the NLC.

    It called on the  Federal Government to save the ailing economy and to rescind its suspension of the tenure policy of the Federal Civil Service,  because of its  stagnation tendency.

    “The SGC-in-session commends the Federal Government for setting up the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS), but observed that much is still desired to sanitise the system so as not to use it as a conduit pipe to syphon government money and urges government to take necessary steps in this direction,’’ it said.

    The union condemned the move by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde  Fashola,   to privatise the Federal Housing Authority (FHA)  and change its name to Federal Housing Company.

    “The implication is that Nigerians would not have access to affordable houses. The union, therefore, calls on the Federal Government to appoint a substantive management team and Board to run FHA for effective operational activities,” it said.

  • Oyo seeks understanding over N29b wage deficit

    •’N14.1b Fed Govt loan is staggered’  

    Oyo State Government has sought the understanding of workers and pensioners over the N29 billion wage deficit representing five-month salary arrears, which it blamed on dwindling allocation to the state from the Federation Account and paltry internally generated revenue.

    The state made the plea at a news conference addressed by the Commissioner for Finance and Budget, Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, where they shed light on the financial status of the state, in Ibadan.

    The forum also provided opportunity for the government representatives to explain the rationale behind the decision of the state to apply for N14.1 billion from the latest financial sustainability plan of the Federal Government.

    He clarified that the N14.1 billion would be used to pay salaries, stressing that it would not be paid to the state in bulk, but in tranches of N1.3 billion monthly for the first three months and N1.1 billion monthly for the next nine months.

    The commissioner said the delay in the payment of salaries and pensions to workers and pensioners in the past five months was not a deliberate action as being rumoured in some quarters but due to non-availability of fund.

    As against the N84 billion being bandied around as the amount the state got from the Federation Account between May 2015 and May 2016, he clarified that only N37.48 billion accrued to the state coffers within the period after statutory deductions from source and irrevocable commitments.

    Within the same period, however, he said N40.48 billion was paid directly to the local government as its share of allocation, part of which was being used to cater for the salaries of primary school teachers and local government employees.

  • Way of out wage crisis

    Sir: Despite the bailout fund from the federal government, many states in Nigeria still struggle to pay their workers’ salaries; some do not even pay. The dwindling federal allocation; poor innovation on internally generated revenue (IGR); bloated workforce and fraud-riddled workers’ payroll are the main reasons behind the inability of many states to promptly settle their workers’ salaries.

    This is a critical situation that requires critical measures. Governors have to look at ways to generate revenue other than over-depending on the declining federal allocation. We must admit that many states do not have flourishing economic activities that are profitable and easy to tax without upsetting common people.

    One trend in most states is, once IGR is mentioned, most states cast their mind to their old method of taxation – but our tax system in Nigeria has history of corruption and inefficiency, thus most Nigerians are sceptical of their states’ taxes and levies administration.  States can generate new revenues and wealth through levies and taxations, but states need to move away from the ‘rocket-science’ approach to tax collection.

    States should introduce a modified system of awarding ‘tax collection rights’ to investment firms. This should be modelled according to each state’s economy, culture, needs and environment – a state can enter into agreement with a firm to give government monies in advance for taxes from a certain sector, while the firm will collect the money by operating as a tax agent- the famous tax auction. For example, if it is projected that revenues from taxis, buses and lorry services in a certain local council can generate one million naira a month, an innovative investment firm will agree to give a state government, let say N800,000 in advance. Then the firm will collect taxes for taxis, buses and lorry services in the local council for that particular month. This type of arrangement can be implemented in many sectors of the economy of a state using what operations researchers call reductionistic approach- monthly, quarterly on yearly basis. A good investment firm will make the tax collection efficient and fair- by reaching agreement with taxpayers on how to pay and enjoy incentives too. This type of arrangement can assist states to have  tax efficiency and tax fairness- government will relieve itself from the burden of tax collection, it will have the needed revenues in advance ( could be up to 10 years advance payment) to help states temporarily relief themselves the burden of unpaid salaries.

    Apart from innovation in taxes, states and even the federal government can look into leveraging from the assets they have. In many states, there are thousands of unserviceable vehicles, farm implements and many types of electrical equipment. Governments can make money by auctioning such items. Furthermore, many states have abandoned building- completed and uncompleted, fenced and unfenced plots of land.  These   assets are commercially viable. They can be leased or sold. Funds can be generated from the arrangement. In addition, the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) should discuss with regulatory agencies, CBN, quoted companies and pension fund administrators on how government can utilize unclaimed dividends, pension fund and CBN’s many intervention funds.

    For states and LGA chapters of Labour unions, this situation calls for their creativity and sacrifice- the union and states governments should sit and design a model on how each worker will get at least, some parts of their salaries every month- critical situation requires critical measures. Instead of no pay every month, government and labour unions should design a formula on how each worker will get something from the meagre funds available. Something is better than nothing, even if it is half salary.

    With the current hard situation many workers are facing, questions are being asked about the monthly dues workers pay? If these monies were being invested; then this is the right time for the labour unions to make use of the profit being generated to assist their members. But if the monies were not invested- a big lesson has been learnt.

     

    • Zayyad I. Muhammad,

    Jimeta, Adamawa State.

  • 16-man committee for minimum wage talks

    16-man committee for minimum wage talks

    A 16-man “technical committee” to negotiate a new minimum wage for workers was yesterday constituted after a meeting between the Federal Government and Labour.

    The meeting was a follow-up to talks on the way forward after the hike in petrol price—from N86.50 per litre to N145.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) last weekend suspended its strike, which it initiated to protest the increase in petrol price.

    The Federal Government, also yesterday, reconstituted the board of the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), which is empowered to regulate prices of petroleum products and set up the template.

    The government said it was unaware of the existence of factions within the NLC but said it was working with everybody to address issues raised by Labour.

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, who announced the reconstitution of the board after the meeting with Labour led by its President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Alhaji Muhammadu Buba as the Chairman.

    He said: “I am happy to report that we had a successful discussion and with an outcome that will make every Nigerian happy.

    “On the side of the government, we want to thank the NLC for their magnanimity in calling off the strike and we thank Nigerians for their patience while the strike lasted. This meeting arrived at some major decisions.

    “Labour had also raised the issue of being involved in the implementation of the half a trillion naira included in the budget as palliative for Nigerians.

    “Labour had also requested that government reconstitute the board of the PPPRA which they believe if it had been in existence, most of the issues that arose as a result of price modulation would not have arisen.

    “This evening, I am proud to announce that a 16-member technical committee has been set up to discuss the issues concerning the minimum wage and advice on the modalities for discussing the minimum wage.

    “You realize that this minimum wage involves all segments of the society. It is not just federal,government and its workers, the states are also stakeholders, local government and the private sector are also stakeholders.

    “The technical committee will also consider the implementation of the palliatives in the budget. They are to work and bring their report to the committee of the whole within two weeks.

    “On the issue of the PPPRA, I am glad to announce that the President has agreed and approved the appointment of Alhaji Muhammadu Buba, a former Managing Director of Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) as the chairman of the board. It is a 25-member board with other members being statutory members from the NLC, TUC and other non-governmental organisations . We have sent out letters and the other bodies have started sending in their nominees. So, that issue has been settled”.

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, dismissed claims that the government. was working with factions within the congress, saying the government is not aware of the existence of factions within the NLC.

    “We are waiting for the NLC as per this discussion to forward the names of their own nominees so that the committee will be inaugurated.

    “We don’t know about any faction in the NLC. When we had our problems, the government discussed with everybody. We have the NLC and TUC which are the two labour Centres known to government. We will not pry into other peoples problem, but we believe that if they have in house problems, they will solve it. Government will be willing to make sure that we have one indivisible NLC.”

    NLC President Wabba said they have decided to work we the technical committee set up to work out modalities for addressing the issues raised by congress and also expressed happiness about the decision to reconstitute the board of PPPRA.

    “Under organised Labour, we are coming with about eight persons to the technical committee to look at other issues ancillary to this price increase. I think the major success is that of the PPPRA where the template and other issues can well be examined for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    “On the minimum wage, we believe that by the time the committee is constituted, these are some of the variables we are going to look at in order to arrive at an acceptable figure that can address the challenges we have enumerated”

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshimhole, the mediator, said: “I think that the leadership that has been demonstrated is what is important. Under this tense atmosphere, there is a shared commitment to find acceptable solution to the problem that confronts all of us.”

  • Labour warns against workers’ sack over ‘bloated’ wage bill

    Labour has warned against the sacking of workers under the guise of a bloated wage bill.

    Refering to Minister of Finance Mrs. Kemi Adeosun’s statement that about N165 billion has been spent on payment of civil servants’ salaries, Labour said it was shocked by the excuses being made to justify the failure of some states to pay workers and execute certain projects.

    Speaking with The Nation, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, said they were all a ploy to sack workers.

    He said: “We recall that it was widely reported that the immediate past administration discovered hundreds of thousands of ghost workers within the civil service.

    “The present administration has also told us that they have discovered some and adopted a series of measures to curb such. We are upset that the available information technology platforms and the Biometrics Verification Number (BVN) introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have not helped to iron out these things.”

    The TUC president said labour was happy that the minister faulted the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS) introduced by the last administration, adding that the system was sabotaged by elements benefitting from salary fraud.

    “We also welcome her claim that she has created a unit assigned with the sole responsibility of checking the salaries and catching those behind the over-bloated salary,” he said.

    He, however, said Labour would fight to finish any attempt to sack civil servants for errors that are not theirs, adding that it is the height of injustice to sack a worker who earns a stipend just to be able to sustain the payment of millions of naira to politicians.

    “We cannot be made to bear the brunt of what we do not know about just to massage the ego and pockets of a privileged few. Nobody or group should prompt a disruption of the prevailing peaceful industrial atmosphere in the country,” Kaigama said.

    In a related event, TUC has decried the recruitment of Permanent Secretaries from outside the civil service.

    Kaigama, who stated this in Abuja, said: “We wish to state that the recent appointment of Permanent Secretaries from outside the civil service contravened the relevant provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “This is capable of doing collateral damage to the system. The ill-advised policy, if not stopped now, is capable of killing the morale of senior civil servants who have served their fatherland meritoriously for decades. This is because they can no longer aspire to rise to the peak of their career.”

    Kaigama urged the Federal Government to discontinue the practice while those already recruited particularly those above 60 years, should be disengaged.

    He said it was common knowledge that the civil service is the engine room that oils the wheels of government to ensure efficient and effective service delivery to the people.

    Kaigama cited Public Service Rule 020810, which stipulates that retirement age in the civil service shall be 60 years of age or 35 years of pensionable service whichever comes earlier.

    He also called on the Federal Government to quickly settle all outstanding arrears owed civil and public servants.

    According to him, the outstanding include salary arrears, promotion arrears dating back to 2007, first 28 days in lieu of hotel accommodation, duty tour allowance, mandatory training allowance for 2010, burial expenses and repatriation allowance, among others.

    “We are worried that the sum provided for the settlement of these arrears under the Service Wide Vote in the 2016 Budget is inadequate and has even been slashed by N28.5 billion by the National Assembly.

    “We, therefore, demand that the federal lawmakers retrace their steps on this issue and approve what was voted for the outstanding benefits of civil servants in the interest of industrial peace and harmony in the country.

    He also called on the Federal Government to prepare a supplementary budget to capture the balance of indebtedness to public servants so that the matter can rested.

  • Workers hail N56,000 minimum wage proposal

    Workers hail N56,000 minimum wage proposal

    Civil servants in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have praised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for pushing for N56,000 as minimum wage. Some of the workers, who spoke in an interview with The Nation during the May Day celebrations, said the review of the N18,000 minimum wage was over due.

    According to them, the proposed minimum wage will go a long way in cushioning workers’ hardship. They lamented the high cost of goods, stressing that the proposed minimum wage would encourage them to put in their best.

    The workers said labour had taken a bold step aimed at giving them some relief. They appealed to the government to consider the workers’plight as regards the prevailing economic reality.

    Mr. Mojeed Mohammed, a civil servant in FCT, described the proposal as good.

    He, however, expressed fear over the government’s ability to meet the demand because of the dwindling oil revenue.

    A union executive, Comrade Bala Abubakar, lauded NLC and TUC for the proposal. He said Labour needed to back it up in the interest of the workers.

    A civil servant in Alausa, Ikeja, Mr. Olayinka Ogunfesi, said if the proposed N56,000 wage is approved, it would go a long way in alleviating workers’ suffering.

    He enjoined the union executives to ensure that it is implemented. To Mrs. Bimpe Olatunji, a teacher, the proposal is in order. She said this is something that will make the workers put in their best.“Depending on whether the government accepts and implements it, it is alright,” she said.

  • Labour seeks panel on N56,000 wage

    Labour seeks panel on N56,000 wage

    Labour yesterday urged the Federal Government to constitute a tripartite committee to consider its proposed N56,000 National Minimum Wage proposal.

    Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Ayuba Wabba and Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Bobbio Kaigama spoke in Abuja at the 2016 May Day celebration.

    Wabba spoke on the theme: “Working class and the quest for socio-economic revival”.

    The NLC and the TUC last Tuesday submitted a proposal for N56,000 National Minimum Wage to the Federal Government.

    Wabba said the committee should comprise the government (Federal and state) the Nigerian Employers Consultative Assembly (NECA), the organised private sector and Labour.

    “During the last May Day, we had stated that as soon as the new government to be sworn in on May 29, 2015 settled down, we would table a proposal for a new National Minimum Wage demand.

    “The National Minimum Wage Act, which former President Goodluck Jonathan signed into law in April 2011, has a five-year reopener clause for new negotiations to review the minimum wage.

    “In fulfillment of the above provision, we recently submitted a N56,000 proposal as minimum wage to the Federal Government.

    “Our proposal of N56,000 is just N4,000 more than the figure we put out for negotiation in December 2008, which was N52,000.

    “This represents our awareness about the prevailing economic situation in the country,’’ he said.

    TUC President Bobbio Kaigama said the economic hardship and its attendant effects on workers had made nonsense of the N18,000 minimum wage.

    He said N18,000 had been operational for over five years and called for its upward review to N56,000.

    “This has become necessary as the present one formally lapsed on March 24.

    “Indeed, even before we submitted our proposal, we had expected the Federal Government to appoint a committee to handle the issue.

    “We anticipate that no state governor would dare claim that his state cannot afford the increase.

    “Each state government should be proactive and look inwards to the state’s bountiful alternative sources of income rather than relying only on statutory monthly allocations from the federation account.”

    Kaigama urged the Federal Government to start the negotiation, adding that any further delay would be counterproductive.

    Labour also requested the Buhari government to put in place strong measures to revive the ailing economy, saying the country is “bleeding” and needs urgent attention.

    Wabba said after it took office, the APC- led federal governmenthas not brought out a blueprint for the creation of the three million jobs annually contained in its manifesto.

    While admitting that the unemployment crisis in the country is a reflection of the wider national economic crisis, Wabba said: “we have persistently pointed out, there is hardly any household in Nigeria where there aren’t at least two or more unemployed persons who have graduated from various tiers of our educational system, looking for job placement for upward of  three to five years.

    “The ruling APC government in its manifesto promised to create three (3) million jobs annually. We have waited one year for the government to bring out its blueprints on how it intends to go about achieving this.

    “Congress will seek audience with Mr. President to get more information on this important matter. On our part as workers, we will be prepared and willing to contribute to any effort to create a ‘Job Creation Fund,’ nationally to tackle this problem.

    “Our worry as organized labour is that if no concrete convictions are secured in the many corruption trials going on, between now and the next 12-15months, those who have stolen these huge fortunes will start feeling that they can outlive the Buahri Presidency, and return to a regime of “business as usual” as far as corruption is concerned.

    He stressed that while in the last twelve months of the Presidency of President Buhari, INEC has been left to run its show as it deemed fit, the desperation of politicians of the two mainstream political parties gives of cause for concern, pointing out that “unless the unfinished reforms started with the partial implementation of the Justice Mohammed Uwais’ electoral reform committee are completed, we see dangers ahead.

    “Among these reforms waiting to be implemented is the establishment of the  Electoral Offences Commission.

    “For us in organized labour, unless our politicians know that there is real possibility that their electoral rascalities carry real penalties of jail terms or long term disqualification from contesting for public offices, the type of disgraceful mayhem witnessed during the recent election in Rivers and other states would continue unabated.

    “The pronouncements of Mr. President both during the campaigns and when he was sworn in as President,  tallied with our long held view that there was no subsidy on petroleum products even when we import 100% our national needs. Mr. President was also right to maintain that the majority of Nigerians because of their poverty cannot afford to pay more for petroleum products – via more price increase.

    “We believe that the corruption which has hindered the effective operation of the industry can be defeated. Wabba lamented the suffering of pensioners due to the non-payment of their pension benefits saying “like workers, our pensioners have been suffering. They are not regularly paid and when paid at all, such payments do not reflect what they should earn..

    “We recall that Mr President  graciously granted bail-out funds to states to enable them pay workers salaries and pension benefits to pensioners but very few ever adverted themselves to this responsibility.  So as we speak, most of our pensioners are in considerable pain and difficulty needing urgent intervention.

    “We therefore insist they be paid immediately. It is their right and not a privilege. Let us not forget for a minute that we are all potential pensioners.

    Wabba emphasized labour’s opposition to former governors and their deputies as well as other public officers receiving double pay, pointing out that “some of the largess paid by state governments to these former public officers ranges from 100% – 300% pension for life, houses in Abuja and states of origin among other incentives.

    He said “We find this double payment to public officials from tax payer’s money as the height of insensitivity to the plight of workers and the Nigerian poor, and a barefaced systematic thievery and looting of our common wealth by those elected or appointed to serve our country.

    “We hold the view that these serving public officers must be made to forgo their pension and severance allowances while working for the Federal government as it is morally reprehensible, ethically irresponsible and should not be accepted in the change project of the present dispensation.

    “We call on workers and their trade unions in collaboration with civil society organisations to intensify mobilisation to stop this abhorrent practice of bleeding and looting the already cash strapped economy of the state by a few a few greedy and self-serving public office holders”.

    President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Bobboi Kaigama sad Nigerians have lost hope of the country becoming a great nation, due to decades of rape of the national treasury by a privileged few, adding that even though Nigeria is a great nation, greatness is never achieved on a gold platter.  It is earned and must be consciously sustained.

    He argued that “the country is bleeding and there is no pretence about that. He who feels it knows it!  The poor masses of the country feel it in all spheres, and only very close monitoring of the economy, commitment and sincerity of purpose constitute the way out.

  • Wage demands stop Udoh’s Akpan’s Akwa Utd move

    Wage demands stop Udoh’s Akpan’s Akwa Utd move

    Mfon Udoh will remain with Enyimba FC for at least another season if he doesn’t seal a move abroad after his dream of reuniting with his former club, Akwa United couldn’t materialise.

    The head coach of Akwa United, Maurice Cooreman told SportingLife that the Promise Keepers made bold attempt to re-sign the striker but Enyimba convinced him to stay as he is needed for their CAF Champions League campaign.

    He hinted that Akwa United were scared away by huge demands from the People’s Elephants but were not frustrated because they knew the club plan to keep the player in Aba for their own crucial assignments.

    Cooreman also offered explanations on the situation of former junior international goalkeeper, Bassey Akpan stating that there are doubts if his propose switch would happen with the inflated demands of his representatives before a deal is struck.

    He said Akwa United would like to add the player to the few that have joined the club but that his excessive demand is the only hindrance that has made the Uyo side to pull the plug on his transfer.

    “I want to say that Mfon Udoh is not joining Akwa United because Enyimba have done everything possible to keep him for their continental assault. They placed a high fee on him that has made him out of reach from us.

    “Bassey’s situation is almost similar with his manager asking for too much from us,” Cooreman told SportingLife.

  • TUC, ASCSN propose N52,000 minimum wage

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) have announced plans to engage government in dialogue towards increasing the minimum wage to N52,000.

    The unions also warned of dire consequences, which may include the shutting down of state governments, if the governors carry out their threat to reduce the N18,000 minimum wage or retrench workers.

    Speaking with The Nation, TUC President Comrade Bobboi Kaigama said the Congress had concluded plans to engage the government in dialogue towards increasing the minimum wage to N52,000.

    Kaigama described as laughable the claim by some governors that N18,000 minimum wage was imposed on them when oil sold for $126 as against the present price of $41 per barrel and that they cannot pay.

    He said the governors’ comments may have been occasioned by the unbridled corruption and mismanagement of public funds by the governors themselves. He reiterated that the minimum wage was a product of tripartite meetings involving government at all levels, employers (through Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and organised labour.

    “They (state governments) cannot use our collective wealth on their electioneering campaigns, payment of their children’s school fees abroad, foreign medical tourism, etc. only to come tell us they cannot pay salaries because the price of oil has dropped. They are not serious,” Kaigama said.

    He said TUC’s position was that the searchlight beamed on the arms deal scam should be extended to board members of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), who served for only five years and have set aside N2.7 billion for themselves, whereas they offered nothing but a privatisation that has produced nothing but darkness.

    “Nigeria has enough money to maintain its roads; we do not need toll gates that will only end up making the so-called big boys richer at the expense of everyone else,” Kaigama said.

    In a statement on Monday, this week, ASCSN Secretary-General Comrade Alade Bashir Lawal expressed sadness that Nigerian governors who have not deemed it fit to reduce their humongous salaries and allowances were bent on jettisoning the N18,000 monthly minimum wage so that they could begin to pay as low as N5,000 monthly to civil servants.

    The union regretted that: “Given the current high cost of living, the N18,000 monthly minimum wage cannot even last the average worker one week yet, the governors are bent on reducing it This is very unfortunate because these governors allocate to themselves, on the average, N1 billion monthly as security vote and spend nothing less than N18,000 daily to feed one of their animal pets or buy recharge cards for one of their children, or, worse still, for one of their numerous girl friends.”

    The ASCSN pointed out that there is no state that does not have natural resources, but instead of harnessing them they (governors) prefer to wait for monthly handouts and now bailouts from Abuja to administer their states.

    It stressed that if the state governments could reduce wastages, tackle corruption and moderate their greed, there would be more than enough money to pay enhanced minimum wage and carry out meaningful development in their states.

    ASCSN advised the governors, who are tired of governance because of the fall in revenue allocation and downward slide in the price of oil in the international market, to resign immediately and allow more serious-minded individuals, who are prepared to harness resources of the states for the benefit of the people, including workers, to take up the mantle of leadership.