The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has backed the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in their call for an increase in the national minimum wage.
On Friday, the Nigeria Labour Congress declared an indefinite nationwide strike, starting on Monday, June 3, 2024, due to the Federal Government’s refusal to increase the proposed minimum wage above N60,000.
The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, announced that the strike followed failed negotiations between the government and organised labour.
Despite the government’s final offer of N60,000, which included a recent increase from an initial N57,000, the labour unions found the proposal insufficient.
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In a statement on Sunday night, Pedro Obi, NANS President, urged the government to respond promptly and favorably to the legitimate demands of Nigerian workers.
“The current economic realities have significantly eroded the purchasing power of the average Nigerian worker. Inflation, rising cost of living, and the continuous devaluation of the naira have made it increasingly difficult for many families to meet their basic needs.
“It is within this context that the organized Labour demands for a living wage become not only reasonable but also imperative.
“The youth and student population of Nigeria are directly affected by the welfare of our parents and guardians, who are predominantly workers and civil servants. An improved minimum wage would translate into better living conditions for millions of Nigerian families, thereby fostering a more conducive environment for students to focus on their education and personal development,” Obi said.
He, therefore, called on the government to engage the labour unions in constructive and meaningful negotiations aimed at reaching a mutually beneficial agreement on the minimum wage.
The statement added: “NANS believes that a prompt resolution to this issue is vital for maintaining industrial harmony and ensuring that our educational institutions continue to function without disruptions. We stand ready to support the Labour movement and the Nigerian workers in their quest for a fair and just wage.
“We call on all students, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens to lend their voices to this cause and to advocate for a just resolution that ensures the dignity and well-being of every Nigerian worker.”
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