Workers’ Day: HoR minority caucus hails Labour’s sacrifice, urges FG to pay living wage

As Nigerian workers joined others across the world to celebrate International Workers’ Day, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has praised their enduring sacrifices and pivotal contributions to national development.

The caucus also called on the Federal Government to urgently address worsening economic challenges and ensure the payment of a living wage to workers.

This was conveyed in a solidarity message released by the caucus leaders: Rep. Kingsley Chinda (Minority Leader), Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C (Minority Whip), Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki (Deputy Minority Leader), and Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi (Deputy Minority Whip) on Friday in Abuja.

According,”The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, felicitates Nigerian workers for its critical roles as a major contributor to national growth and development.

“Today, gives us another opportunity to have sincere reflections, and objective introspection about the state of the nation; and acknowledge that the Nigerian workforce, being the engine room, have collectively given its best in the circumstances.

“The caucus expressed concern over the dire state of the nation’s economy and its impact on workers.

“The Caucus notes with serious concern the disturbing social, economic, and political situations which are not only fearful, but also stifling the personal development of our people, particularly the workers.

“From galloping inflation to debilitating hunger, overarching hardship, and corrosive poverty, the Nigerian worker has been the main victims of these and more negative indices.

“Deeply concerned about the decline of the economy, renewed insecurity, accentuating job losses, and numerous other indices of under-development which is affecting the performances of workers in maximally carrying out their functions as the backbone of government activities.

The caucus urged the Federal Government to act decisively in rebuilding trust and improving the lives of Nigerian workers.

“The Caucus urges the Federal Government to take deliberate actions towards instilling confidence in workers.
“Also, there must be pro-active, and intentional decisions by the Federal Government in not just addressing these negative issues but seeking ingenious ways towards improving the remuneration, welfare packages, and other incentives of Nigerian workers who are entitled to living wage and not minimum wage.

It further emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and labour unions.

“Conscious of the fact that true nationhood is a collective, and continuous task, the Caucus enjoins the Federal Government to relate with the Nigerian Labour Congress, (NLC), Trade Union Congress, (TUC), and other relevant workers associations as major stakeholders in every efforts towards re-building, and re-positioning the country.

“Also, these labour bodies and others; that are umbrella institutions for all Nigerian workers should show commitment, and consideration by collaborating effectively with the Federal Government where and when necessary.

“As a responsive and responsible group, the Caucus is confident that when all stakeholders harness our strengths, Nigeria will progress from being a nation with enormous potential to one that will assume her rightful position among the comity of nations.

“We wish members of the Nigerian Labour Party a very fruitful celebration.”