By El-Yakub Dabai, Birnin Kebbi
The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero says the Union has began preparations to enter into discussions withe Federal and State Governments for an upward review of workers salaries across the country.
Ajaero who was speaking at a Rights of Workers Summit in Birnin Kebbi, said the gesture became necessary following the expiration of the current 70, 000 naira minimum status last July, noting that was a minimum wage not living wage.
Represented by the Deputy President, Audu Titus Amba, he disclosed that any minimum wage below 500, 000 naira would not cater for the needs of workers due to the current situation of socioeconomic hardships facing civil servants in the country.
The President however stressed that NLC was not in confrontation with Executive arm of government but rather presenting the plights of workers and the souring cost of living, expressing hopes their requests would be looked into.
Speaking on the same subject matter, Governor Nasir Idris reminded the gathering that he was the first leader to have implemented 75, 000 naira minimum wage in the country, assuring Kebbi State workers of doing same whenever Federal Government approved the next one.
He further stressed that he would champion the case at Governors Forum whenever the issue comes up for discussion, stating that the role of civil servants in nation building remained an issue for commendation and compensation.
Other speakers at the summit took note of Governor Idris efforts in the areas of educational growth, agricultural and infrastructural development as well surmounting security challenges besides peace and harmony in the state.
