The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has urged President Bola Tinubu to expedite decisions regarding the long-awaited announcement of a new minimum wage.
In a press release signed by NAAT’s National President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, the union expressed concern over the delay in sending the new National Minimum Wage Bill to the National Assembly by President Tinubu.
NAAT, affiliated with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), condemned the delay, stressing its adverse effects on workers nationwide.
“The continuous delay is unacceptable and undermines the welfare of workers who have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic prosperity,” said NAAT’s president.
The union condemned the Nigerian Governors Forum who have hesitated to implement the proposed N62,000 minimum wage, despite Federal Government and Organised Private Sector endorsements. NAAT labelled the governors’ stance as unpatriotic, citing their failure to recognize workers’ contributions to economic growth.
“The Governors Forum’s proposal to pay minimum wage based on individual circumstances is condemnable and outrightly rejected. Such actions not only violate constitutional provisions but also disregard the established framework for determining national minimum wage.”
NAAT called on the Governors Forum to reconsider, advocating adherence to constitutional provisions that exclusively places minimum wage issues under legislative jurisdiction.
NAAT reiterated its support for Organised Labour and urged the Federal Government to swiftly address the minimum wage matter to prevent potential industrial actions. The union underscored the need for prompt federal action to uphold the welfare and rights of workers nationwide.
“As discussions progress, NAAT remains steadfast in advocating fair treatment of workers and emphasises the urgency of timely legislative action to effectively resolve the minimum wage issue,” the statement added.
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