Workers Express Concern To Tinubu Over Naira Devaluation In Light Of New Minimum Wage

Workers Express Concern To Tinubu Over Naira Devaluation In Light Of New Minimum Wage....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Federal Workers Forum (FWF) members have cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Federal Government against depreciating the naira following the enforcement of the new national minimum wage. This advice was issued during a gathering organized by the forum, as reported by Naija News.

The assembly concluded with a statement endorsed and furnished to DAILY POST by the National Coordinator of the forum, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has persistently pushed for an updated national minimum wage ever since the removal of subsidies on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

While acknowledging the Federal Government’s initiation of wage adjustments, the forum expressed discontent with the current ₦35,000 wage, asserting that it hasn’t assuaged the economic burdens for federal workers post-subsidy removal and naira devaluation.

The new national minimum wage is slated to take effect on April 1st, 2024, with an announcement anticipated by May 1st, 2024.

Advocating for a living wage as pledged by President Tinubu, they proposed ₦300,000 as a minimum, considering the escalating cost of living.

Emelieze stated, “While we acknowledge Mr. President for the ₦35,000 wage adjustment, we firmly assert that the ₦35,000 alleviation did not address the economic challenges confronted by federal government workers in Nigeria. Life has been exceedingly difficult for federal workers since the removal of petrol subsidy and subsequent naira devaluation.”

“Our stance is crystal clear, President Tinubu has pledged a living wage; federal workers will settle for nothing less. Given the prevailing cost of living crisis, ₦300,000, which is not even 1% of the President’s salary, would not be excessive for a federal minimum wage.”

They underscored the daily expenses for transportation and meals, emphasizing the necessity for equitable compensation.

Furthermore, they demanded the settlement of outstanding dues and warned against naira devaluation post-implementation.

“For daily sustenance, a worker would require an average of ₦2,000 for transportation and at least ₦2,000 per meal, thus, a worker would need an average of ₦10,000 (approximately $1 per hour) to endure daily.

“We advocate for fairness; we insist on a decent, equitable, and fair living wage for the federal workforce. We will oppose and rebuff anything less than a living wage. Our government should also ensure the settlement of all outstanding dues owed to federal workers.

“The Federal Government is also urged not to devalue the naira in any manner subsequent to the implementation of the new national minimum wage. Federal workers have endured enough; it is time to eradicate poverty among federal government workers,” he concluded.

For more information join our WhatsApp group by clicking the link here: WhatsApp Group Invite