Minimum Wage: Ex-lawmaker tasks FG, Labour union on realistic negotiations

A former member of the National Assembly representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Adesoji Akanbi, has urged all tiers of government, labor unions, the organized private sector, and other parties involved in the negotiation for the wage increase to be realistic in their proposals to ensure an agreeable and speedy resolution.

Akanbi was quoted in a statement made available to the press in Ibadan as advising the labor unions to consider the reality of government revenue, particularly from oil, which is the mainstay of the Nigerian economy.

The statement read in part, “It should be noted that while the crude oil price per barrel was $124 as of June 2023, it is now $90. No one is sure how the price will fluctuate in the near future, judging by the withdrawal of Angola from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) due to the limitation of supply placed on the country. OPEC limited Angola’s supply to one million barrels per day, while the country believes it needs up to 1.2 million barrels per day.

“For the federal and state governments, it is important for both the executive and legislative arms at both levels to cut down the cost of governance and for political office holders and officials to shun a flamboyant lifestyle to convince the labor that governance reflects the reality of a shortage of funds, which necessitates sacrifice for a better future by all stakeholders.

ALSO READ: Tinubu’s economic policies impoverishing Nigerians — Obasanjo

“I also advise private sector employers to embrace agreeable positions so that workers will see that their welfare and well-being are of great interest to their employers.

“Once all parties approach the negotiation with realistic intentions and an emphasis on workers’ well-being, agreements will be easier to reach, and Nigerians will be able to create wealth through the opportunities that a new minimum wage regime brings.

“I urge all parties to put the interest of the survival and prosperity of Nigeria as their overall top priority. This will help Nigeria a great deal and facilitate our shared desire for a prosperous country.

“May President Bola Tinubu succeed in his efforts to build a safe and prosperous Nigeria.”