The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has urged the Federal Government to immediately increase the salaries of federal workers. TUC President Festus Osifo made the call in Abuja while briefing journalists after a meeting of the union's National Administrative Executive Council. Osifo stated that the government has the power to improve workers' pay without waiting for a new Minimum Wage Act. This call comes as workers continue to face economic challenges.
According to Osifo, the national minimum wage should serve as the lowest amount an employer is required to pay workers. He emphasized that it should not prevent the government or employers from offering higher salaries. In the private sector, many employers already pay above the statutory minimum, particularly for workers with specialised skills and greater responsibilities. Osifo cited banks, food and beverage companies, and oil and gas firms as examples.
Osifo noted that salaries in these sectors are generally based on the value of the jobs rather than the national minimum wage. He suggested that the government could review workers' allowances separately from the minimum wage. This approach would enable the government to improve workers' welfare without waiting for a new Minimum Wage Act. The TUC president emphasized the need for immediate action to ease the economic burden on workers.
The TUC has engaged government officials, including the Minister of Finance and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, on measures to improve workers' welfare. Osifo urged the government to take immediate steps to address the economic challenges faced by workers. He emphasized that the government can increase the salaries of its lowest-paid workers and adjust the pay structure upwards.
Osifo highlighted that the government has the power to improve workers' pay without waiting for a new Minimum Wage Act. He noted that many employers in the private sector have already implemented higher salaries for their workers. The TUC president called on the government to follow suit and improve the welfare of federal workers.
The call by the TUC comes as workers continue to face economic challenges. The union is pushing for immediate action to address these challenges. Osifo emphasized that the government must take concrete steps to improve the welfare of workers. He noted that the TUC will continue to engage with government officials to find a solution.
The TUC's call for increased salaries is part of a broader effort to improve workers' welfare. The union is working to ensure that workers receive fair compensation for their work. Osifo emphasized that the government must prioritize the welfare of workers. The TUC will continue to push for policies that benefit workers.
Key points
- TUC President Festus Osifo urges FG to raise federal workers' salaries without waiting for new Minimum Wage Act.
- Osifo cites private sector examples where employers pay above statutory minimum wage.
- TUC engages government officials to improve workers' welfare.
