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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The Federal Government, on Wednesday, admonished organised labour to consider the broader economic implications of its push for an unrealistic higher national minimum wage.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who gave the admonition while speaking at the opening of the 2024 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Abuja, noted that the N250,000 minimum wage demanded by labour could undermine the economy, lead to mass retrenchment of workers and jeopardise the welfare of Nigerians.
The minister emphasised the imperative of a realistic wage system that safeguards against mass retrenchment while addressing workers’ needs.
Idris reiterated government’s dedication to reassessing the minimum wage, but cautioned against demands that could disrupt the economy.
“As I have repeatedly said, the Federal Government is not opposed to the increase of wages for Nigerian workers but we keep on advocating for a realistic and sustainable wage system for the workers – a wage system that will not undermine the economy, lead to mass retrenchment of workers and jeopardise the welfare of about 200 million Nigerians.
“We want the labour unions to understand that the relief that Nigerians are expecting, and that they fully deserve, will not come only in the form of an increase in wages,” he said.
While highlighting the ongoing efforts to alleviate the cost of living, Idris cited initiatives like the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas programme aimed at reducing transportation expenses by 50 per cent.
The minister, while advocating wage increases, stressed the importance of holistic relief measures beyond salary adjustments, urging labour to recognise the significance of programmes like the CNG initiative in enhancing citizens’ purchasing power.
“It will also come as an effort to reduce the cost of living and to ensure that more money stays in the pockets of Nigerians. And this is where programmes like the presidential CNG initiative come in.
“By replacing or complementing petrol usage with CNG, that programme alone will cut transportation costs by as much as 50 per cent,” he said.
The minister also called on religious leaders to assist in raising public awareness about government initiatives and efforts.
He emphasised the crucial role of the clergy in disseminating information about available opportunities and the government’s ongoing efforts.
“As a government, we need your support, advice, and feedback.
“Very importantly, we need you to be aware of the efforts being made and the challenges being faced so that you can help us communicate these to your congregations and the general public,” he added.
The minister highlighted the influential platforms of religious leaders, noting their potential to enlighten Nigerians on their rights, responsibilities, and the economic opportunities provided by the policies under the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The agenda, he noted, aimed to promote economic rebirth, strengthen national security, boost agriculture and food security, transform infrastructure and transportation.
“Information and awareness are critical, and this is where our religious leaders come in. You have very influential platforms that can enlighten Nigerians on their rights, responsibilities, and the abundance of economic opportunities being thrown up by the policies and programmes being implemented under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” he explained.
In his remarks, the National President of the Charismatic Bishop Conference, Archbishop Leonard Kawas, reaffirmed the organisation’s unwavering support for Tinubu’s administration, emphasising their commitment to collaborative efforts to realise the nation’s collective aspirations.