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Labour Encouraged To Agree To N60,000 Minimum Wage Suggestion By FG |
Mr. Osita Okechukwu, a past director general of the Voice of Nigeria, urged Organised Labour to be thoughtful in their minimum wage demands, noting that the ongoing strike could destabilize the economy and lead to unforeseen outcomes.
In a statement released Sunday, Okechukwu concurred with Organised Labour that workers deserve a living wage, particularly amid stagflation and deteriorating living standards; however, he suggested labour "to consider house ownership for each worker as a compromise, to supplement the N60,000 proposed by the government and the private sector."
Okechukwu emphasized that prioritizing house ownership is crucial as it betters living conditions and boosts productivity.
He urged President Tinubu to prioritize his Renewed Hope housing initiative and pursue house ownership for all employees across the country as an alternative to the unattainable minimum wage.
"President’s initiative for house ownership for every worker represents a practical compromise in this deadlock, given that workers have consistently contributed 2.5% of their income to the National Housing Fund; a combined effort from federal, state, LGA, and the private sector is all that's necessary," Okechukwu stated.
He asserted that the N497,000 is not feasible, as over ten states have either failed or outright refused to pay the N30,000 up to now.
While acknowledging the economic difficulties and falling living standards faced by workers, Okechukwu pointed out that house ownership is a viable middle ground in this stalemate and preferable to additional cash, which could trigger runaway inflation and widespread layoffs.
