Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Wednesday, appealed to Labour to settle for a national minimum wage that will not collapse the economy and result in mass retrenchment of workers.
The Minister made this appeal while declaring open the 2024 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Abuja.
He pleaded with labour to seek a realistic and sustainable wage regime that is realistic and will devastate the nation’s economy.
Idris also disclosed government’s efforts towards bringing down the cost of living and increase Nigerians’ purchasing power through programmes like the Presidential CNG initiative, which aims to cut transportation costs by 50%.
He said, “As I have repeatedly said, the Federal Government is not opposed to the increase of wages for Nigerian Workers but we keep on advocating for a realistic and sustainable wage system for the workers – a wage system that will not undermine the economy, lead to mass retrenchment of workers and jeopardize the welfare of about 200 million Nigerians.
“We want the Labour Unions to understand that the relief that Nigerians are expecting, and that they fully deserve, will not come only in the form of an increase in wages.
“It will also come as efforts to reduce the cost of living and to ensure that more money stays in the pockets of Nigerians. And this is where programmes like the Presidential CNG initiative come in. By replacing or complementing petrol usage with CNG, that program alone will cut transportation costs by as much as 50 percent.”
Idris appealed to the Bishops to support President Bola Tinubu’s vision for renaissance and pray for wisdom and guidance as the country navigates its current challenges.
Idris, who noted that Tinubu stepped into power at the most challenging time for Nigeria, assured that the President is working assiduously to ensure sustainable development across the country.
He said, “There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Mr. President stepped up with a great sense of courage and responsibility. In the last year he has been implementing crucial and comprehensive reforms aimed at steering our country back onto the path of growth, prosperity, and sustainable development.
“President Tinubu has never shied away from acknowledging the reality of these pains. In his Democracy Day address delivered to the nation just this morning, President Tinubu summed it up very aptly: “The reforms we have initiated are intended to create a stronger, better foundation for future growth.
“There is no doubt the reforms have occasioned hardship. Yet, they are necessary repairs required to fix the economy over the long run so that everyone has access to economic opportunity, fair pay, and compensation for his endeavour and labour.
“Indeed, as a nation, we are enduring short-term sacrifice, for long-term benefits. We are inspired by the bigger picture of a Nigeria where no one is left behind.”
The Minister hinted that his Ministry would collaborate with the clerics in the implementation of the national orientation programme, the National Values Charter.
