Written by Soji-Eze Fagbemi
Contrary to the position of the Chairman of the National Salaries and Wages Commission, Chief Richard Egbule, that the Federal Government cannot afford increase in workers’ salary, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr Chukwuemeka Wogu, said on Wednesday, that the Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, was desirous of leaving a legacy of decent wages and salaries for Nigerian workers.
Wogu also stated that the acting president had assured the workers of a living wage and had already set up an expert committee to look at the parameters surrounding the minimum wage, with a view to putting in place a decent wage and resolve the issue.
Chief Egbule had said on Tuesday, that the Federal Government had foreclosed the issue of increase in minimum wage because it would lead to job losses; a statement randomly condemned by labour leaders.
Rather than foreclose the issue, the new minister said the acting president had assured the workers on the issue of minimum wage and promised to make wealth and job creation his priority areas.
Wogu stated that the acting president took a bold and big step on the issue and had met with the union leaders recently where he also assured them, adding that discussions were going on, on the vital issue.
Besides the expert committee, who he said was now working on it, the minister pointed out that the government also set up the Belgore Committee on Minimum Wage, which had almost concluded its work.
Source: www.tribune.com.ng
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