President Tinubu Pledges Improved Welfare, Better Wages And Working Conditions

President Bola Tinubu noted that Nigerian workers deserve better welfare, higher wages and safer working conditions, which will eventually lead to the country's progress.

Speaking at a meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) in Abuja on Thursday, the president emphasized on his administration's commitment to addressing these issues and ensuring the well-being of Nigerian workers.

"I pay attention to everything around me. A happy worker is a productive worker. And society depends on the productivity of the happy worker," Tinubu said, as per the official State House website.

However, the president stated that there should be a realistic expectation regarding the minimum wage.

"You have to cut your coat according to the available cloth. Before we can finalize the minimum wage process, we have to look at the structure," the president said. "Why must we adjust wages every five years? Why not two? Why not three years? What is a problem today, can be eased up tomorrow."

The president said there was a lot of flexibility in this process if narrow-minded approaches were avoided, while urging the adoption of a precise strategy that was practical and based on a thorough understanding of all factors.

NLC President Comrade Ajaero highlighted the importance of increasing the minimum wage, saying, "Between living wage and minimum wage, we need to find a balance. Things are difficult for the Nigerian worker."

He also praised the president for the Supreme Court's decision affirming the constitutional rights of local governments, particularly regarding financial independence and other important principles.

"I have to congratulate you on the issue of local government autonomy. We have been in the streets protesting for local government autonomy. Now that there is light at the end of the tunnel, it will amount to ungratefulness if we fail to commend you," Ajaero said.

TUC President Comrade Osifo pointed out that inflation has significantly reduced the value of the naira, stressing the importance of government initiatives to address the rising costs of food and transportation, which he hopes will soon provide relief to citizens.

Osifo mentioned that introducing Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses will help curb high transportation costs. He also noted that the recent directive to suspend duty on certain food imports could lower food prices, if the implementation is done right.

Earlier this week, Tinubu introduced new steps to tackle high food prices in Nigeria, noting that these measures will roll out over 180 days.