By: Adeosun Ewatomi
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on the Federal Government to address the workforce's demands for wage increases instead of making excuses. TUC National President Festus Osifowokan made this statement during the South-West Labour Summit held at the University of Ibadan.
Osifowokan emphasized that despite Nigeria's abundant natural resources, the country's economy continues to lag behind. He said, "We called ourselves the Giant of Africa, yet, we can't pay a reasonable minimum wage. We are tired of the government telling us to keep coping."
The TUC National President highlighted the significant financial challenges faced by Nigerian workers and urged the Federal Government to manage the nation's economy more effectively. He stressed the importance of increasing the value of the naira to ensure it can compete with other currencies globally.
Osifowokan emphasized the workforce's demand for a living wage, not just a minimum one, and proposed a biennial renegotiation of the minimum wage, adjusted for inflation.
During the summit, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal urged caution on the minimum wage issue, noting global economic challenges. However, he highlighted the state's commitment to workers, paying them on the 25th of each month under Governor Seyi Makinde's leadership. Lawal stressed the importance of worker welfare for state advancement and encouraged collaboration between the Nigeria Labour Congress and the TUC in the state.