2024 Workers Day: Lagos NLC, TUC demands ‘living’ minimum wage, rejects salary increment
Ayodele Olalere
The Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, on Wednesday demanded a ‘living minimum wage’ from the federal government and not salary increment.
The two labour unions made their demand known during the 2024 Workers Day celebration held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan with the theme ‘People First.’
In attendance were Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, various labour unions among others.
Governor Sanwo-Olu hailed the workers for their resilience in the face of economic hardships. He noted that the policies taken by the government were inevitable and aimed at ‘rescuing the economy and setting it on the path of sustainable growth.’
“The economic downturn has brought about disruptions that have affected lives and livelihoods. Yet, in the face of these challenges trials, you have exhibited remarkable resilience, adaptability, and courage. You have been the backbone of our response efforts, ensuring that essential services remain uninterrupted and that our state stands strong,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said through various measures, policies and initiatives, his administration ‘has demonstrated that the interest and welfare of the people comes first and remains the ultimate goal of all our actions.’
The governor added that several social intervention programs such as the Ounje Eko and Eko Cares initiatives have made tangible impacts in the lives of Lagosians, and pledged to ‘build a future where every worker is respected, empowered and able to live with dignity and pride.’
The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, described Lagos State workers as the ‘most dynamic workforce.’
He urged the workers to continue to put in their best and assured them of the governor’s commitment to improving their welfare.
The Head of Service, HoS, Lagos State, Olabode Agoro, thanked the governor for providing interventions to cushion the effect of the current hardship.
He mentioned some of the laudable intervention programmes to.include
Implementation of the N35,000 Wage award for public servants, re-implementation of 25% basic salary, and others.
Agoro noted that the governor recognises the importance of the labour Unions and ‘will continue to foster harmonious and cordial relationship with the Labour Centres in a bid to keep enjoying conducive atmosphere which will stimulate greater development in the state.’
The Chairman, NLC, Lagos State, Agnes Funmilayo Seesi thanked the governor for his welfare packages for the state workforce.
She however expressed concerns over the high rate of insecurity in the country, the increment in electricity tariff, loss of jobs caused by the closing down of some companies.
The NLC boss also complained about President Bola Tinubu’s silence on the new minimum wage.
She noted that the labour unions would reject any increment in salary of workers but would only accept an increment in minimum living wage.
“ What we want is an increment in the minimum living wage, anything short of it would be rejected in totality.
Sessi on behalf of the organised labour listed issues to be addressed by the government to include approval of new minimum wage for workers and not increment, reinvigoration of industrial sector in Lagos, enforcement of safety law in workplace, provision of Independent power project for residents, provision of CNG and secure buses to connect more towns and villages.
Others include incorporating state owned media houses such as Lagos Television, LTV, Radio Lagos, Eko Fm, and Lagos Traffic Radio into the Oracle salary payment system, disparity of salaries and wages of state higher Institution workers, among others.
The Chairman, TUC, Lagos State, Gbenga Ekundayo, lamented the ongoing fuel scarcity. He queried the essence of the removal of the fuel subsidy by the federal government which he said has not reflected on the availability of fuel in the country.
He added the congress is awaiting the implementation of a new minimum wage by the federal government.
Ekundayo expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
