A sociopolitical group, the Confederation of All Progressives Congress Support Groups, has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress to be reasonable in its discussions with the federal government to achieve a national minimum wage.
Its director-general, Kailani Muhammed, gave the advice at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.
Mr Muhammed said the demand for a minimum wage of N615,000 monthly salary for Nigerian workers by NLC had raised much concern as the country was presently at an economic crossroads.
Mr Muhammed said, “First of all, in an attempt to respond to this demand, I would like us to critically look at Nigeria’s economic profile. Without mincing words, the country, to say the least, is presently at an economic crossroads.
“The country is embedded in an unprecedented foreign debt profile as never before. The administration of President Bola Tinubu, who unfortunately or fortunately, is saddled with the task of solving the debt profile riddle, even though not daunted, is working round the clock to solve the debacle.”
The APC support group leader added, “This is not to say that the Nigerian workers should solely shoulder the pains but in trying to make the Nigerian workers reasonably comfortable, we must be reasonable in the approach.”
He urged the NLC to revisit its discussion with the government by reviewing issues of national importance, such as the national minimum wage.
Mr Muhammed said, “I advise the NLC to tread the path of maturity on issues of national importance, such as the national wage discussion with the government.
“There are some state governments in Nigeria that cannot afford to implement the N30,000 minimum wage. How and where does the NLC expect them to procure funds to pay this new wage illusionary bill?”
(NAN)
