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SPOTLIGHTS
- HEDA condemns governors’ rejection of a minimum wage increase
- The group calls for a living wage that reflects current economic realities
- HEDA urges the Federal Government to prioritise workers’ welfare
- The organisation advocates for reduced electricity tariffs
By Henry Uche, Lagos
The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged the Federal Government to prioritise the welfare of Nigerian workers in the ongoing minimum wage negotiations. HEDA argues that the current economic realities make the Federal Government’s proposed wage of ₦62,000 grossly inadequate to meet the basic needs of workers and their families.
In a statement issued and signed by HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the group condemned the Nigerian Governors Forum’s claim that states cannot afford a minimum wage of ₦60,000. HEDA cites the history of corruption and embezzlement among governors as the reason for their stance. “It’s hypocritical for governors accused of looting billions of Naira from the states and considering the increased federal allocation received in recent months to claim they can’t afford a living wage for workers,” Suraju said.
This stance is particularly concerning given the recent nationwide strike, which significantly impacted the country, resulting in billions of naira in lost revenue and crippling economic growth.
“The tripartite committee of the government must consider the long-term implications of their negotiations on Nigeria’s future. The current economic realities and the rising cost of living in Nigeria demand a more comprehensive approach to minimum wage negotiations. Furthermore, the history of corruption and embezzlement among governors and other public officials must be taken into account to ensure that workers are not shortchanged,” he maintained.
HEDA urges the Federal Government to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians generally and order a downward review of the recently imposed astronomical electricity tariff as part of the negotiations for a minimum wage that reflects the true value of workers’ labour. HEDA believes this is crucial for promoting economic justice and prosperity for all Nigerians.
The anti-corruption and good governance advocate reaffirmed its commitment to fighting for a just society where workers are valued and compensated fairly and will continue to advocate for policies that promote economic justice and prosperity for all Nigerians.
