A chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to accede to the Labour Leaders’ request for a new minimum wage in the country to prevent economic collapse.
Ajadi stated that the Labour Union’s demand for a N494,000 minimum wage is reasonable given the current economic realities. He pointed out that the sudden withdrawal of subsidies on petroleum products and the subsequent increase in prices of foodstuffs and essential commodities have justified the Labour Union’s demands.
He advised that a prolonged strike could ultimately collapse the economy and urged the president to reach an agreement with the Labour Union to avoid such an outcome. Ajadi also warned against using threats against Labour Leaders, which could exacerbate the already tense situation in the country.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), recently threatened that Labour Leaders could face imprisonment if they proceed with the strike. Fagbemi cited Section 18 of the Trade Disputes Act, which requires workers in essential services to give their employers 15 days’ notice before ceasing their services, with non-compliance resulting in a fine or six months’ imprisonment.
Ajadi, however, advised the Federal Government that such threats are not in the nation’s interest.
“Government should not threaten the Labour Leaders with imprisonment or with any form of threat at all. President Tinubu should personally dialogue with the Labour Leaders on the way forward. He should come to terms with the reality on the ground,” Ajadi said.
He emphasised that the withdrawal of petroleum subsidies and the lack of regulation of food and essential commodity prices have severely devalued the naira. He added that even the N494,000 being demanded by the Labour Union cannot sustain an average worker for a month.
“The Federal Government should develop a holistic approach to cushion the effect of the high cost of living in the country,” Ajadi concluded.
