SGF Assures NLC On New Minimum Wage
- Says economic realities remain key
BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – The Federal Government has assured Nigerian workers that the new National Minimum Wage will meet the present economic realities in the country.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, said the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is conscious of the need to ensure workers’ wages meet economic realities.
Speaking at a dinner and award night to mark the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) 40th Anniversary celebrations with the theme: ‘Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, National Unity and Social Justice’, Mr Mustapha said this consciousness informed the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage to review the existing National Minimum Wage.
He stated that the committee is determined to complete its assignment before the end of this year,” adding; “I am confident that the outcome of the assignment would address the issue of social imbalance, inequality and the wide gap of poverty in the country.”
The SGF maintained that the present administration considers workers’ welfare a priority and has therefore continued to put great efforts at resuscitating the economy.
According to him, the primary objective of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) is diversifying the economy; growing skills; creating wealth; gaining infrastructures, ensuring food security; and providing jobs, adding that the NLC’s significance in the affairs of any government cannot be overlooked.
Mustapha further stated that “It is the soul of the government because without the workers, be they civil servants, private sector workers or even pensioners, there will be nobody to man the system.
“I believe that together, we can build the Nigeria of our dream and improve on the generality of the life of Nigerians.”
The SGF also stated that the time has come to recognise and reward excellence, adding, “I stand here to celebrate with the NLC, not just as SGF, but also as a comrade. I have been a comrade right from my school days and shall remain so until tomorrow. I would like to say that you have a member in this government.”
In his remarks at the occasion, the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba described the three-day anniversary celebrations as a brain storming event, noting that “From the volume of discourse, it is very clear that the future will be bright because we have assembled the best from among our rank and file.”
Acknowledging that the Congress’ founding fathers laid the solid foundation that allowed the present day leadership to build on despite existing challenges, Comrade Wabba said; “It is therefore our sincere hope that with the determination of our founding fathers and the solid foundation they have laid, we are assured that the future is already secured.”
He stated that given the issues raised and discussed during the anniversary celebrations, the Labour movement is confident looking into the future and building a vibrant and stronger NLC that is more responsive to welfare and dreams of all Nigerian workers.
