Former federal lawmaker Shehu Sani in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday has stated that the issue of minimum wage should be addressed to avoid strikes from labourers.
He also stated that while considering the issue of minimum wage and it’s increment, it should be within the means of the federal government of Nigeria.
Sani explained, “I don’t know how a Nigerian can survive with less than N100,000 if you breakdown what the government is offering N45,000-48,000, you will see how unrealistic it is by the time you factor in many thing. The position taken by labour should be considered by government.
“It is one thing agreeing to increase the minimum wage and then the capacity to pay. Let us not forget that in the last few years government has been finding it difficult to even pay the ones that I already on paper, so how this could be reflected should be considered.
“But from what we have learnt since the withdrawal of subsidy, government has more money and there’s no better way to effectively and productively spend it than to increase the minimum wage of Nigerian worker to a reasonable point where he can adequately take care of his family.”
Further speaking on the issue, he expressed doubts that the government has the resources for a minimum wage of N615,000 adding that living wage for the labourers is not a bad idea and should be considered but should be at a “reasonable point.”
Sani also emphasised the reason for displeasure from the citizens is because it seems they are the only ones sacrificing for the economy.
“Economic reforms are taking place in this country, therr are consequences for the reforms. They are supposed to be sacrifices but it should be across board.
“Workers are seeing that money is coming in trillions, they want their own share. When a nation subsidises, it makes more value for wages but when they are removed, you have to pay for it.”
Nancy Mbamalu
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