At a meeting on Thursday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the Northwest zone proposed a new minimum wage of N485,000 per worker, citing the high cost of living in the region. The NLC argued that the current minimum wage is not enough to sustain workers and their families in the face of rising inflation and living costs.
At the Kano Zonal Public Hearing on the Minimum Wage Review, labour leaders released a position paper outlining their recommendations, including the proposed increase in the minimum wage. The position paper was signed by Kabiru Inuwa, the Kano NLC Chairman. In the paper, Inuwa explained that the NLC’s proposal is based on the current cost of living and the need to protect workers’ rights.
According to him, “The North West geo political zone of Nigeria is facing series of economic challenges due to banditry, high level of unemployment and hyperinflation. It is evident that majority of people in the zone are affected by the recent removal of fuel subsidy and forex policy. Farmers find it difficult to irrigate their farms due to cost of petrol. Prices of fertilizer is beyond the purchasing power of peasant farmers.
“Considering the dynamics of the national economy. It is imperative to propose a new minimum wage that reflects the cost of living and ensures a decent standard of living for workers. The proposed new minimum wage per month should be determined through a comprehensive assessment of the current economic conditions, inflation rates, and the basic needs of workers and their families. The congress is of the opinion that for any minimum wage to achieve its purpose it must reflect the realities of the economic situation and accordingly asses the least income that would be sufficient for the survival of a family of six.
“To ensure that the minimum wage remains relevant and responsive to economic changes, a mechanism for regular review is essential. It is proposed that the minimum wage should be reviewed in every Two years taking into account inflation rates, cost of living adjustments, and other relevant economic indicators. This review mechanism should involve consultations with labor unions, government representatives, and economic experts to ensure a fair and transparent process.
“More over there is need for the intervention of the federal government to ensure compliance through withholding all allocations to any State or public institutions that contravention the minimum wage law.
“In conclusion, addressing the hardships faced by workers and the masses due to the removal of fuel subsidy and unfavorable Forex policy requires a comprehensive approach. The proposed new minimum wage, review mechanism, and penalties for non-compliance are essential steps towards ensuring fair and decent wages for workers. It is imperative to prioritize the well-being of workers and the masses in the formulation of wage policies to promote social justice and economic stability,” Inuwa stated.