Minimum Wage: N615000 proposal unrealistic, counterproductive – Daddy Hezekiah tells NLC

Chinedum Treasure

Founder of the Living Christ Mission, Most Rev Professor Daddy Hezekiah has commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for its insistent demand for improved wages, saying such review was long overdue in view of grueling economic hardship in the country.

The cleric who made the commendation in a statement on Sunday also hailed the leadership for being resolute, which he said was key to achieving meaningful outcomes in its push to significantly improve the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.

He however described the proposed N615,000 minimum wage as ambitious, unrealistic and counterproductive, urging the body to balance ambition with achievability given the current state of the nation’s economy.

The statement reads, “As a crucial advocate for workers’ rights and welfare, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) insistent demand for improved wages has been hailed by as long overdue in the light of grueling economic hardship in Africa’s most populous nation.

“While the NLC’s proposal for a N615,000 ($492.32), minimum wage may be ambitious, it is crucial for the union to remain resolute in their negotiations with the government.

“Such steadfast stance is vital in ensuring that the government recognizes the urgent need for reasonable wage adjustments for Nigerian workers currently plagued with eroding purchasing power due to inflation, rising costs of living, and economic instability.

“A firm hold on its demand, many believe, is the key for the NLC to achieve meaningful outcomes in its push to significantly improve the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians. But such an insistence on N615,000 ($492.32) may appear unrealistic and even run the risk of being counterproductive especially given the current state of the nation’s economy.

“The NLC must therefore balance ambition with achievability pragmatically, by means of well-researched and justified wage proposal below the N615,000 ($492.32), threshold but nonetheless representative of a substantial and fair increase from the current N35,000 ($23.80) minimum wage.

“Securing a balanced favourable negotiation outcome will require the NLC to present compelling case supported by data on living costs, economic conditions, and comparative wages in similar economies.

“So far, the efforts of the NLC remain commendable. President Joe Ajaero is encouraged to remain resolute in their demand for fair wages through strategic and evidence-based negotiations.

“The ultimate goal remains securing a minimum wage sufficient to enhance the quality of life for Nigerian workers in true reflection of the nation’s economic realities.”

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